Ocular manifestations of graft versus host disease following bone marrow transplantation.

Abstract

The ocular manifestations of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) include keratoconjunctivitis sicca, cicatricial lagophthalmos, sterile conjunctivitis, corneal epithelial defects, corneal ulceration and melting. These manifestations are more frequent in patients with chronic GVHD than in patients with acute GVHD. The more severe ocular complications are associated with severe systemic chronic GVHD and poorer survival. Recent improvements in the systemic management of these patients have led to the more frequent recognition of the ocular problems. The high prevalence of ocular involvement and potentially severe ocular problems in GVHD patients necessitate close ophthalmic monitoring.