[Ocular lesions of artificial depigmentation]

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the type and frequency of the ocular lesions found in patients practicing artificial depigmentation.

Patients and method: We conducted a prospective study over 3 months involving 108 patients, of whom 72 underwent depigmentation, and 36 did not, representing the controls.

Results: Among patients undergoing depigmentation, 100% were female, of whom 34.72% developed ocular lesions. Exogenous ochronosis lesions of the eyelid predominated (34.72%), followed by ocular ochronosis (25.81%). Cataract (19.35%) and glaucoma (6.45%) were the least frequent. Among the untreated, only 19.44% had ocular lesions. These included cataract (57.14%) and glaucoma (42.86%). Ocular lesions were more frequent in patients using products containing hydroquinone.

Conclusion: Artificial depigmentation is responsible for ocular lesions of variable severity. Our study highlights the importance of the raising awareness amongst the general population of the complications of artificial depigmentation, particularly the ocular lesions.

Keywords: Artificial depigmentation; Dépigmentation artificielle; Lésions oculaires; Ocular lesions.