OPHTHALMOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND EYE TREATMENT IN STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare and serious condition, characterized by a severe mucocutaneous reaction generally triggered by adverse reactions to medications. Ophthalmological manifestations are common in this context and may include conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and, in extreme cases, ocular perforation. Ocular treatment in SJS is crucial to mitigate long-term complications and improve the quality of life of affected patients. Objective: To investigate and critically analyze the ophthalmological manifestations of SJS and the different ocular treatments proposed in the scientific literature. Methodology: A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases using the descriptors: "Stevens-Johnson Syndrome", "ocular manifestations", "treatment", "eye complications", "corneal ulceration". Articles published in the last 10 years were included, covering case studies, case series and clinical trials that described ocular manifestations of SJS and their respective treatments. The inclusion criteria were: studies on humans, articles in English or Portuguese, and a specific focus on ophthalmological manifestations. Articles not directly related to the topic, non-systematic literature reviews and studies prior to 2012 were excluded. Results: The studies reviewed highlighted the variety of ophthalmological manifestations in SJS, including severe conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and recurrent corneal ulcers. Different therapeutic approaches were discussed, from the use of lubricating eye drops to amniotic membrane transplants in cases of severe corneal injuries. The effectiveness of treatments varied depending on the severity and extent of ocular complications. Conclusion: The systematic review revealed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of ophthalmological manifestations of SJS, aiming not only to preserve vision, but also to improve the quality of life of affected patients. A detailed understanding of these manifestations and the evaluation of available treatments are essential to guide more effective clinical practices and direct future research in the area.