A Review of Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation and Management

ABSTRACT

Graft-versus-host disease is a common complication following allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation that can affect multiple organ systems, including the eyes. Ocular GVHD (oGVHD) is characterized by a T cell-mediated immune response that leads to immune cell infiltration and inflammation of ocular structures, including the lacrimal glands, eyelids, cornea and conjunctiva. oGVHD has a significant negative impact on visual function and quality of life and successful management requires a multi-disciplinary approach with frequent monitoring. Here, we review the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of oGVHD, along with current therapeutic strategies based on our clinical experience and the reported literature.

KEYWORDS:

• Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• graft-versus-host disease
• ocular graft-versus-host disease
• dry eye disease
• ocular surface disease
• T cells

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.