Comparison of dose-related ocular side effects during systemic isotretinoin administration

To compare the effects of high- (Group 1) and low-dose (Group 2) isotretinoin treatments for acne vulgaris on lacrimal functions and other ocular complications. Twenty-six patients receiving high-dose (>0.5 mg/kg per day) systemic isotretinoin treatment and 25 patients treated with low-dose systemic isotretinoin ( 0.05). Although BUT did not differ significantly between the two groups before treatment (p >0.05), there was a statistically significant decrease in BUT in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 at days 45 and 90 of treatment (p 0.05). No difference in Staphylococcus aureus colonization was detected between the two groups at days 45 and 90 of treatment (p >0.05). During systemic isotretinoin treatment, eye dryness was related to the dose used, at least during the period of treatment. Conversely, the rate of conjunctival S aureus colonization was unrelated to the dose of isotretinoin.