The FP advised the patient that she had keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea bulges out in the middle (like a cone). Keratoconus, which can adversely affect the health of the eye, is one of several eye findings related to atopic dermatitis. Others include recurrent conjunctivitis, cataracts, and periorbital darkening.
The patient in this case was referred to her ophthalmologist for further evaluation and the FP advised her to avoid rubbing her eyes. In some severe cases, keratoconus treatment requires corneal transplantation.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Usatine R, Finklea L. Atopic dermatitis. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:584-590.
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