According to one study, the majority of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) cases affect the eyes. Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome damage can result in pain, visual impairment, or even blindness. In many patients, the earliest signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include eye irritation and redness. Thus, recognizing the eye symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can help you get early treatment and intervention.
How Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Affects the Eyes
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome affects the mucous membranes and skin. Unfortunately, the same immune response that triggers the dermatological symptoms can also trigger ocular symptoms. These symptoms tend to relate to the protective and lubricating membranes surrounding the eyes.
Common Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms you may experience during an SJS outbreak include the following:
Pain and Redness
SJS causes swelling and pain in the mucous membranes. The conjunctiva covers the eyeball. Your eyes can become bloodshot and painful as the immune system attacks them. As the SJS attack progresses, you may develop conjunctivitis, characterized by swelling of the inner eyelid and white part of the eye.
Eyelid Swelling and Crusting
Mucous membranes line your eyelids to moisten your eyes and protect them from dust and pathogens. During an SJS attack, these mucous membranes can swell. They may also discharge mucus that is thicker and stickier than normal.
As a result, your eyes may feel dry or gummy. A crust that sticks the eyelids together may form.
Corneal Damage
The cornea can develop blisters like other body surfaces during an SJS attack. These blisters can lead to ulcers, scars, or perforations in the cornea.
You can analogize this to skin blisters. Some worsen due to poor circulation and become skin ulcers, while others develop scar tissue as the body replaces the damaged skin cells. Some can also become perforations as the skin tears.
You may experience visual impairment or loss from corneal damage. Common effects of SJS-related cornea blisters include the following:
- Light sensitivity, also called photophobia
- Clouding of the cornea, also called opacification
- Corneal hardening caused by scar tissue, also called keratinization
These changes may manifest as blurry or poor vision, headaches, and eye pain.
Effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome on the Eyes
Swelling and discharge can cause the eyelids to fuse temporarily. As a result, you may lose your vision simply because you cannot open your eyes.
However, you can also suffer more serious effects. Damage to the cornea may lead to permanent visual impairment or loss. In minor cases, you might experience blurry vision or reduced visual acuity. Doctors can sometimes treat these cases with medication and an amniotic membrane transplant.
In severe cases, you may encounter catastrophic injuries like permanent blindness. The cornea may suffer so much damage that it tears. These corneal perforations can jeopardize the entire eye, leading to further damage even after the SJS outbreak ends.
Compensation You Can Seek for Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Injuries
SJS often results from drug reactions that could be prevented by drug manufacturers. An SJS attorney can pursue financial compensation for the eye injuries you suffer through SJS litigation. This compensation can cover the costs you incurred, such as medical bills and lost earnings.
Your compensation can also cover your non-financial losses, such as the pain and mental anguish from your eye problems. These losses usually correlate to the severity of your injuries. Thus, permanent blindness can generally justify more compensation than temporary vision impairment.
FAQ
What Causes a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attack?
The most common cause of SJS is an adverse drug reaction. Researchers have identified over 200 medications that can trigger SJS, including sulfa drugs, anticonvulsants, gout medications, and NSAID pain relievers.
How Long Will Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attacks Last?
The acute stage of the attack lasts eight to 12 days. During this stage, your immune system is actively attacking your tissues. Your body rebuilds the skin and mucous membrane cells over the two to four weeks following the acute phase.
Does SJS Always Cause Blindness?
Roughly 70% of people with SJS develop eye symptoms and complications. While blindness can happen, early treatment improves outcomes.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Injuries
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome outbreaks can produce painful injuries and permanent damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. The seasoned team at Dunn Sheehan is committed to providing exceptional, unmatched representation to those suffering from SJS, and we know what it takes to stand up to drug manufacturers.
Contact Dunn Sheehan to schedule a consultation with an experienced SJS lawyer and explore your options today.