Ocular lesions of artificial depigmentation

• Published in: Journal francais d'ophtalmologie Vol. 38; no. 6; p. 493
• Main Authors: Ndoye Roth, P A, Ly, F, Kane, H, Bissang, A A A, Wane, A M, Sow, A S, Ndiaye, J M, Nguer, M, Ba, E A, Ndiaye, M R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - adverse effects; Adult; Age Factors; Case-Control Studies; Cataract - chemically induced; Cataract - diagnosis; Eye Diseases - chemically induced; Eye Diseases - diagnosis; Eyelid Diseases - chemically induced; Eyelid Diseases - diagnosis; Female; Glaucoma - chemically induced; Glaucoma - diagnosis; Humans; Hydroquinones - adverse effects; Middle Aged; Ochronosis - chemically induced; Ochronosis - diagnosis; Senegal; Skin Lightening Preparations - adverse effects; Lésions oculaires; Artificial depigmentation; Ocular lesions; Dépigmentation artificielle
• ISSN: 1773-0597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2014.11.013

To evaluate the type and frequency of the ocular lesions found in patients practicing artificial depigmentation. We conducted a prospective study over 3 months involving 108 patients, of whom 72 underwent depigmentation, and 36 did not, representing the controls. 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. 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.