The ophthalmic side-effects of imiquimod therapy in the management of periocular skin lesions

Aim To describe the ophthalmic side-effects of topical imiquimod for periocular actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma. Method A retrospective study was carried out in two centres of all patients who underwent topical imiquimod therapy between January 2004 and January 2009. Imiquimod was applied three times weekly for 4-6 weeks. Diagnosis of the lesions, complications, clinical resolution and long-term ophthalmic side-effects was recorded. Patients on therapy were reviewed fortnightly and then every 6 weeks following completion of treatment. Results 47 patients were identified; the mean age was 74 years. 37 patients had actinic keratoses, seven patients had Bowen disease, and three patients had BCC. The lower lid was the commonest site involved (68%). Application site erythema occurred in all patients. Conjunctivitis occurred in 15 patients, and six patients complained of ocular stinging on application of imiquimod. One patient had a staphylococcal keratitis, which responded to topical antibiotic and steroid therapy. Two patients required oral antibiotics for preseptal cellulitis. Three patients had delayed conjunctivitis at a mean of 2.3 weeks. Nine patients discontinued imiquimod due to ocular irritation and conjunctivitis, of whom four patients recommenced and finished the treatment after a rest period. At a mean follow-up of 16 weeks, 34 patients had clinical resolution of the periocular lesions and no patient had any residual ophthalmic side-effects from imiquimod. Conclusion Conjunctivitis and ocular stinging were the commonest ophthalmic side-effects encountered with the application of imiquimod for periocular skin lesions. These effects were temporary and resolved on terminating the imiquimod therapy.