title: Current ophthalmologic treatment strategies for acute and chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the newer, effective ophthalmologic treatments for acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) as well as the emerging treatment options for patients with chronic, severe ocular surface damage from the disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) applied to the eyes and eyelids in the acute phase of SJS can prevent the devastating scarring and visual problems that characterize the chronic phase of the disease. The severity of ocular inflammation in the acute phase does not always correlate to the severity of skin and systemic involvement. Thus, it is crucial that all patients with SJS be evaluated by an ophthalmologist familiar with the current management of the disease, the potential urgency of the situation and the option of AMT. Although challenging, the severe, chronic ocular problems of SJS can be at least partially alleviated with autologous serum drops, mucous membrane grafting to replace scarred tarsal conjunctiva, specialized contact lenses (PROSE), conjunctival replacement surgery (COMET), limbal stem cell transplantation and kerotoprostheses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early AMT is an effective treatment of acute SJS. Emerging treatments offer increased hope for those who have already suffered damage from SJS, but emphasis on the prevention of damage in the acute phase is most crucial.
authors.affiliation: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Ciralsky
authors.forename: Kimberly C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Sippel
authors.forename: Darren G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Gregory
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids