Ocular Complications of Puva Therapy

Abstract

PUVA, the combination of psoralen and long wave ultraviolet radiation is widely used in the management of psoriasis, vitiligo and several other dermatological disorders. The potential for long term treatment to cause ocular damage remains to be determined and despite the large numbers of patients who have received PUVA treatment, development of cataract is exceedingly rare. This paper discusses cataract formation, reviews the literature concerning the ocular complications of PUVA therapy and proposes guidelines for ocular protection during photochemotherapy.

The Protective Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against Oxidative Damage in Rabbit Conjunctiva and Cornea Exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation

“…The long-term side effects may include an increased risk of ophthalmological abnormalities [21]. See and Weller [1]reported the case of a 42-year-old woman with vitiligo who had been on PUVA therapy for 2 years and subsequently developed fine anterior and posterior multicolored cortical speckles in a stellate configuration. Likewise Lafond et al [22]reported 3 cases who developed lens opacities during PUVA treatment in a 28-month-long prospective study of 78 patients.…”

“…The 2 younger patients aged 32 and 48 years had not worn their protective glasses [22]. Following PUVA therapy, there is one case report of 8–15 patients developing a mild form of photokeratoconjunctivitis [1]. …”

“…UVA-blocking glasses should be worn for 24 h from the time of ingestion of the drug to bedtime [1]. Bäck et al [30]examined 13 patients 2–12 years after their first treatment with 8-methoxypsoralen for vitiligo and failed to detect any eye damage.…”

“…UV radiation is widely used in the management of skin diseases. Long-term side effects of UV therapy include ocular abnormalities [1]. …”

The Effect of Octreotide Against Oxidative Damage in Photosensitized Conjunctiva and Cornea of Rabbits

“…It is an invisible form of non-ionizing radiation to which we are constantly being exposed throughout our lives [13]. Ultraviolet radiation induces oxidative stress in corneal epithelial cells.…”