An 18-year-old woman developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) with ocular involvement after taking ibuprofen. She was admitted to another hospital, received saline flushes and bacitracin ophthalmic ointment to the eyes, and became unable to open them. Upon transfer to this burn center 3 weeks after symptom onset, there was complete fusion of both eyelids with no visible cornea or sclera. She underwent bilateral operative scar release. After opening the lids, meticulous debridement of cicatricial membranes and release of symblephara were performed with subsequent placement of amniotic membrane grafts. Her vision slowly improved, though her long-term visual prognosis remains guarded. Early recognition and treatment of SJS or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) with ocular involvement is imperative. Even mild cases may require intensive topical lubrication, steroids, and antibiotics, with early placement of amniotic membrane grafts in severe cases. Prompt intervention and daily evaluation are paramount in preventing lifelong visual disability.
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Burn Association 2021.