Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

Abstract

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid is a result of immune dysfunction leading to deposition of immunoglobulins and complement at the conjunctival basement membrane zone. This can lead to irreversible scarring. Patients are treated with suitable systemic immunomodulatory treatments which are usually individualized to the patient depending on the patient's age, disease stage, and presence of non-ocular symptoms. The approach to choosing the proper chemotherapy is through a stepladder algorithm. The ultimate goal of therapy is to treat the patient with corticosteroid- sparing systemic agent. The focus of this chapter will be the medical treatment strategies available for OCP based upon clinical severity, extent and progression of the disease.