Eye Changes in Ichthyosis

Examination of the eyes of a series of patients with four distinct types of ichthyosis disclosed that ectropion secondary to involvement of the skin of the lower eyelid was found only in patients with lamellar ichthyosis. Deep corneal dystrophy was present in all patients with X-linked ichthyosis and in most of the female carriers of this disorder. No deep corneal changes were noted in patients with lamella ichthyosis or epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. The examination of the cornea is useful in distinguishing males with X-linked ichthyosis from those with lamellar ichthyosis and ichthyosis vulgaris and in identifying female carriers of X-linked ichthyosis.