Ocular complications

The eye is one of the targets of complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Most of the ocular complications after HSCT have been recognized for a long time and are well described. Dry eye syndrome after allogeneic HSCT is closely related to chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has at least three important biologic processes: lacrimal gland dysfunction, meibomian gland dysfunction, and corneoconjunctival inflammation. Ocular GVHD develops in 40-60% of patients after allogeneic HSCT. Risk factors associated with the onset of ocular GVHD included prior acute GVHD, use of mobilized blood progenitor cells, and HSCT from a female donor to a male recipient. Topical treatment plays a major role, and includes primarily lubricants and anti-inflammatory agents. Cataracts were one of the first late effects reported in patients after allogeneic HSCT. Ocular GVHD can cause prolonged morbidity affecting ADL and QOL.