Surgical management of infantile cataracts in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa describes a group of mechanobullous skin diseases that result in the formation of blisters with little or no trauma. In dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, the eyelid skin and ocular surface are commonly affected; however, infantile cataracts are a rare occurrence. A 7-month-old boy with dense bilateral cataracts and nystagmus underwent cataract extraction, lens implantation, and limited vitrectomy with the use of specialized techniques to reduce iatrogenic skin and ocular surface complications. No iatrogenic skin or ocular surface complications were observed postoperatively. At 24 months of age, the child demonstrated improved visual function.