Atopic Dermatitis Leading to Blindness: A Frequently Forgotten Sequelae

TL;DR

A child with severe atopic dermatitis developed blindness due to retinal dialysis, highlighting the need for early detection and better disease control.

Contribution

This case emphasizes retinal dialysis as a rare but serious complication of uncontrolled atopic dermatitis in children.

Findings

A 12-year-old with severe AD presented with retinal detachment and cataract in one eye.

Intraoperative findings revealed a large retinal dialysis linked to chronic inflammation from AD.

The case underscores the importance of monitoring ocular health in patients with poorly controlled AD.

Abstract

A 12-year-old boy with underlying severeand poorly controlled atopic dermatitis (AD) associated with atopic conjunctivitis and rhinitis presented with a right painless blurring of vision for two weeks. On examination, his right eye visual acuity was 1/60,with grade 1 relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Anterior segment examination revealed anterior uveitis with dense posterior subcapsular cataract and hazy fundus view. B-scan ultrasound suggested a shallow total retinal detachment. Intraoperatively, a large retinal dialysis was found. This paper highlights the need for a high index of suspicion of retinal dialysis in a child with underlying AD and the importance of good control of this systemic condition to prevent ocular morbidity.

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