Ocular manifestations of vitiligo: a systematic review

Abstract

Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by loss of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in depigmented macules and patches. While the relationship between ocular pathology and vitiligo has been demonstrated in conditions such as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada and Alezzandrini syndromes, the ocular associations of non-syndromic vitiligo are incompletely understood. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively describe the structural and functional changes seen in the eyes of patients with vitiligo, to identify patients at heightened risk for ocular disease, and to provide an approach to management of ocular manifestations of vitiligo. Overall, the strongest link between vitiligo and ocular pathology seems to lie with dry eye disease and pigmentary abnormalities of various ocular structures, especially the retinal pigment epithelium. Normal-tension glaucoma may also be more prevalent in the vitiligo population. The available literature did not provide conclusive evidence for increased risk of cataracts or uveitis. Aside from the impact of symptomatic dry eye disease, it seems unlikely that there are significant functional consequences of these ocular manifestations such as impaired visual acuity or visual fields.

Ocular findings in vitiligo and recommendations for dermatologists

“…Melanocytes are present in some extracutaneous tissues, such as the uveal tract of the eye, and may also be implicated in vitiligo. 1 Thus, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to investigate the ocular manifestations of vitiligo, 2 and herein we provide a summary of findings and a framework to guide dermatologists in clinical practice.…”