Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes of eye, especially the conjunctiva. Patients may develop blistering of their skin and scarring of the conjunctiva. 

OCP is chronic and progresses slowly. The cause of OCP is not known, but genetic factors can increase the likelihood of it developing. Women tend to be more often affected than men, but it can occur in both genders. 

If OCP goes untreated, it can result in blindness due to sequelae of corneal and conjunctival scarring.

Symptoms of Ocular Cicatrical Pemphigoid

Symptoms of ocular cicatrical pemphigold include:

• Red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Tearing
• Itchiness
• Lesions of skin and other parts of the body

Ocular Cicatrical Pemphigoid Treatments

OCP requires immunosuppressant medications to help fight the body’s reaction. The goal of treatment is to suppress the body’s autoimmune response.

Your eye doctor may treat OCP with topical drops / ointments or oral medications to help with inflammation. After the disease is under control, eye surgery may be needed to correct the abnormalities caused by scarring that can occur in this diesease.

For more information about ocular cicatrical pemphigoid and other autoimmune diseases that affect the eye, make an appointment at Duke Eye Center. We offer locations convenient to Cary, Durham, Raleigh, and many areas of North Carolina.