ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Our aim in this study was to assess the ocular surface and tear film changes in acne vulgaris patients receiving systemic isotretinoin.

Material and Method:

Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients who received oral isotretinoin (roaccutane®, 0.7 mg/kg/day) for nodular acne vulgaris were enrolled in this prospective study. Tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer 1 test scores with anesthesia, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores and conjunctival impression cytology scores were recorded before treatment and at 3- and 6-month visits following the beginning of treatment.

Results:

BUT values decreased and OSDI scores significantly increased at 3 months after treatment (p=0.007 and p=0.018, paired samples test). Schirmer scores did not significantly change by isotretinoin treatment. Of 9 eyes with impression cytology specimens, 4 revealed normal conjunctival findings before treatment. At the 3rd month, there was an increase in the scores characterized by decrease of Goblet cells, and at 6 months of treatment, normal conjunctival findings did not exist in any of the patients (p=0.004, Friedman test).

Discussion:

Systemic isotretinoin treatment can cause alterations in the tear film and cause dry eye symptoms.