Pigmentation on anterior chamber angle in eyes of patients with atopic dermatitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate pigmentation on the anterior chamber angle in patients with atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

This study includes 61 patients suffering from atopic dermatitis who visited our hospital between 1991 and 1995. Gonioscopy, cycloscopy, and fundus examinations with a scleral depressor were performed on every patient during the initial visit, and were repeated every 6 months. Pigmentation on the anterior chamber angle was classified according to Scheie.

RESULTS

The pigmentation on the anterior chamber angle at the initial visit was evaluated as grade 0 (15 eyes), grade 1 (81 eyes), grade 2 (21 eyes), and grade 3 (5 eyes). Retinal detachment was found in 9 eyes of the 26 eyes with grade 2 or 3 pigmentation, but in only one of the 96 eyes with grade 0 or 1. The pigmentation on the anterior chamber angle correlated significantly with the incidence of retinal detachment (P < .0001). Causative breaks were found in the peripheral retina or ciliary epithelium in all eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate to dense pigmentation on the anterior chamber angle in patients with atopic dermatitis seems to be a sign of breaks in the retina or ciliary epithelium, and the fundus of these patients should be examined carefully for signs of retinal detachment.