BEYOND THE SKIN: MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM AS A HIDDEN CULPRIT IN OCULAR SURFACE DISORDERS

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a DNA virus that infects skin and mucous membranes, resulting in characteristic dome-shaped umbilicated nodules. Infection commonly produces nodules on the skin of the face, abdomen, legs, arms, neck, and genital area.[1] Ocular MC typically results in eyelid nodules, but can affect the conjunctiva through a hypersensitivity reaction leading to a chronic follicular conjunctivitis. [2] We report a case of a 30 year old, young adult male presenting with concurrent dry eye disease (DED), keratoconus, and blepharitis, attributed to periocular MC lesions. A detailed ophthalmic examination and diagnostic workup were performed including slit lamp bio-microscopy, tear lm assessment, corneal topography, and meibography. Conjunctival scraping conrmed MC involvement. Management included antiviral therapy, ocular surface rehabilitation, and mechanical lesion removal. The patient showed marked improvement in symptoms and ocular surface health after 3 months, with reduced inammation, improved tear lm parameters, and stabilized keratoconus. Ocular manifestations of molluscum contagiosum are rare but signicant. Timely diagnosis and management can prevent chronic inammation-related complications such as MGD, DED, and keratoconus.