Abstract
Objective:To evaluate the effect of systemic isotretinoin treatment on central corneal epithelial (CET), tear film corneal epithelial thickness(TCET) and mean central corneal thickness (CCT) measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Material and Methods: Patients who had severe nodulocystic acne disease and evaluated in our clinic prior to oral 0.5-1 mg/kg/day isotretinoin treatment were recruited. Ocular surface changes were evaluated by tear film break-up time (BUT) and Schirmer tests and ocular complaints were scored by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Mean central CET, TCET and mean CCT were measured by using AS-OCT. These detailed examinations and measurements were performed prior to systemic isotretinoin intake and on the following first, third and sixth months of treatment. These data were compared statistically to find out the changes with this treatment. Results: Sixty four eyes of 17 female and 15 male patients were recruited. The mean age of the patients was 17.5±2.3 years. The mean CCT decreased gradually in three months (p=0.001). The mean TCET was not affected during treatment (p=0.154).The mean CET increased on the first month and decreased on the third month and increased again on the sixth month of the treatment (p=0.041, p=0.010, p=0.006). Tear film BUT decreased gradually in six months (p<0.001).The change in Schirmer test was not statistically significant (p=0.079).The OSDI scores gradually increased (p<0.001). Conclusion: Mean central CET and CCT measured by AS-OCT were found to be affected in the early period of oral isotretinoin treatment.
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