[Clinical Signs of Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease].

BACKGROUND: Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is mainly an inflammatory ocular surface disorder after allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with increasing incidence.

METHODS: We present an overview on clinical signs of ocular GvHD.

RESULTS: Ocular chronic GvHD representing a severe ocular surface disease is a long-term problem after allogeneic HSCT. It is not only associated with reduced quality of life because of dry eye symptoms but can also impair visual acuity and lead to blindness due to corneal complications. Patients with ocular GvHD are often resistant to therapy because of the severe dry eye disease and persistent inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSION: A multimodal and interdisciplinary therapy - in cooperation with the colleagues from haematology and oncology is important for the treatment of patients with ocular GvHD.