Evaluation of ocular findings in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate ocular manifestations in patients with vitiligo. Sixty-one patients with vitiligo were included in the study. From the patients who referred for examination to the dermatology and ophthalmology clinic, 57 patients without any systemic disease were taken as the control group. In both groups, otorefractometry, keratometry, visual acuity test, intraocular pressure measurement, anterior segment, and fundus examinations of the eye with slit lamp, Schirmer test, and perimetry were carried out. The mean age was 24.54 ± 11.90 years and 23.03 ± 8.72 years in the patients and control group, respectively. The mean Schirmer test results were as follows: 16.74 ± 9.11 mm and 17.64 ± 9.41 mm for the right and left eyes of the patients, and 21.96 ± 12.51 mm and 23.42 ± 12.51 mm for the right and left eyes of controls, respectively. Of the patients, 36 eyes showed lenticular findings. However, only 12 eyes of the controls have some lenticular findings. Twenty-nine eyes in the vitiligo group and four in the controls showed some fundus findings. When the two groups were compared with each other, there was a statistically significant difference between them in terms of Schirmer test results, lens, and fundus findings (P < 0.05 for all). However, there was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, intraocular pressure, perimetry, and corneal findings (P > 0.05 for all). Patients with vitiligo may have more lenticular and retinal findings than normal. They can be more prone to dry eye syndrome as well.

Evaluation of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction with meibography in vitiligo

“…In another study that only evaluated the Schirmer test in terms of ocular surface evaluation found that Schirmer scores of vitiligo patients were lower than normal. 7 Herein, we found that mean Schirmer 1 values were lower, and Oxford score, OSDI score, and meiboscores of lower eyelids were higher in vitiligo patients, however, in none of these parameters, the difference was statistically significant. T-BUT values were significantly lower, and meiboscores of upper eyelids and total (upper+lower) eyelids were significantly higher in vitiligo patients than in healthy individuals.…”

“…1 Hypopigmented spots on the iris, pigmentation on the anterior chamber, lenticular findings, chorioretinal degeneration, retinal pigment epithelial hypopigmentation, and uveitis are some of the ocular features detected in vitiligo patients. 6,7 Recently, a possible association of dry eye and vitiligo disease is also reported. 7,8 Meibomian glands are specialized sebaceous glands localized at the tarsal plates of the eyelids.…”

“…6,7 Recently, a possible association of dry eye and vitiligo disease is also reported. 7,8 Meibomian glands are specialized sebaceous glands localized at the tarsal plates of the eyelids. They are responsible for lipid secretion that plays a significant role to build the ocular surface tension and prevent tear evaporation.…”

Comorbidities in vitiligo: comprehensive review

“…The coexistence of vitiligo and ocular abnormalities has been explored by several studies . Melanocytes are, in addition to the skin, abundant in the uveal tract (choroid, ciliary body, and iris) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) .…”

“…The coexistence of vitiligo and ocular abnormalities has been explored by several studies. 2,[50][51][52][53] Melanocytes are, in addition to the skin, abundant in the uveal tract (choroid, ciliary body, and iris) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). 50 of glaucoma in a study with larger sample size (90 vitiligo patients) and examined its association with topical use of periorbital corticosteroids.…”