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Common Conditions Affecting the External Eye

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Pediatric Ophthalmology

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Abstract

• Hordeolum and chalazion are the most common eyelid lesions in childhood.

• Nevi are the most common conjunctival pigmented lesion with less than 1% of risk of malignant transformation.

• The nevus of Ota predisposes to development of uveal malignant melanoma, but not conjunctival melanoma.

• Besides cosmetic issues, dermoids may cause visual impairment, requiring surgery.

• Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral disease that occurs in clusters in the skin and may resolve spontaneously over the course of several months.

• Prophylaxis for neonatal conjunctivitis is mandatory due to well-known complications and sequelae.

• Acute conjunctivitis is a common cause of pediatric primary care visits. Although it is a self-limited condition, the majority of cases are infectious and contagious, urging for treatment.

• Allergy is the most common cause of chronic conjunctivitis, affecting more than 15% of the world population. Topical combinations of mast cell stabilizers and antihistamine drops are currently the best choice of treatment.

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  1. Ratner Children’s Eye Center, University of California San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Dr, 92093-0946, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Cintia F. Gomi & David B. Granet

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  1. Albert Florens Storm Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, 167, Ashley Avenue, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA

    M. Edward Wilson , Rupal H. Trivedi  & Richard A. Saunders ,  & 

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Gomi, C., Granet, D. (2009). Common Conditions Affecting the External Eye. In: Wilson, M., Trivedi, R., Saunders, R. (eds) Pediatric Ophthalmology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-68632-3_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-68632-3_29

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