Corneal perforation associated with isolated ocular lichen planus: a case report

Ocular Lichen Planus: A clinicopathologic review

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that can affect the skin, mucous membranes and nails. Cutaneous lichen planus lesions are best described by the "six Ps" - purple pruritic polygonal planar papules and plaques. Mucous membrane lesions are commonly associated with cutaneous lichen planus. Ocular involvement with lichen planus is rare and conjunctival involvement usually predominates, it can however be visually devastating. Ocular lichen planus often progresses to extensive conjunctival scarring which can be impossible to distinguish clinically from other cicatrising conjunctivitis, requiring histopathological confirmation. Here we review the ocular pathology of this condition.

Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Associated With Lichen Planus

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to report a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) associated with lichen planus.

METHODS

A 42-year-old woman with histological confirmation of lichen planus from an oral buccal mucosa biopsy presented with bilateral peripheral stromal thinning and an epithelial defect, in keeping with PUK.

RESULTS

All screening for known causes of PUK were negative, and lichen planus was presumed as the etiological factor. Oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg was initiated, alongside topical steroids and topical ciclosporin. The PUK resolved after 3 months, and a slow-tapering regimen of oral prednisolone was needed to prevent a relapse of ocular surface inflammation. Topical steroids were also tapered and discontinued after 5 months, and the ocular surface remained stable with topical ciclosporin with no relapse after 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular manifestations of lichen planus are rare and mostly involve the conjunctiva; however, PUK might also develop, presumably due to its similar mechanisms with other T-cell autoimmune diseases. Systemic immunosuppression is required initially but further control of the ocular surface can be achieved successfully with topical ciclosporin.

Salivary Exosomes in Health and Disease: Future Prospects in the Eye

Exosomes are a group of vesicles that package and transport DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids to recipient cells. They can be derived from blood, saliva, urine, and/or other biological tissues. Their impact on several diseases, such as neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and ocular diseases, have been reported, but not fully unraveled. The exosomes that are derived from saliva are less studied, but offer significant advantages over exosomes from other sources, due to their accessibility and ease of collection. Thus, their role in the pathophysiology of diseases is largely unknown. In the context of ocular diseases, salivary exosomes have been under-utilized, thus creating an enormous gap in the literature. The current review discusses the state of exosomes research on systemic and ocular diseases and highlights the role and potential of salivary exosomes as future ocular therapeutic vehicles.

Ocular involvement and complications of lichen planus, lichen planus pigmentosus, and lichen planopilaris: A comprehensive review

Ocular involvement of lichenoid dermatoses, such as lichen planus (LP), lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), and lichen planopilaris (LPL), although uncommon, is associated with skin manifestations. Isolated ocular involvement is very rare. When lesions are confined to the skin, the dermatologist inquires and evaluates for oral and genital symptoms and lesions, respectively; hence, eye manifestations are commonly neglected by the non-ophthalmologist. Ocular involvement in LP, LPP, and LPL may result in significant morbidity. An ophthalmic interrogatory and a gross ophthalmic evaluation performed by the dermatologist may unravel ocular signs and symptoms that require evaluation by an eye specialist. Ocular surface inflammation and scarring, when untreated, results in serious complications such as corneal perforation and permanent vision loss. This review aims to present an up-to-date overview for the dermatologist of the ocular involvement and complications of LP, LPP, and LPL, and when to refer to the ophthalmologist to prevent blinding complications.