Ocular manifestations of psoriasis: A case-control study

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is primarily a skin disorder with many extracutaneous manifestations. Relationship between eye lesions and psoriasis has been reported in literature. However, much data are not available on ocular manifestations of psoriasis in the Indian population. Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency of ocular manifestations in psoriasis and to correlate it with factors such as age, gender, duration of disease, type of psoriasis, and severity of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with psoriasis and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Clinical types of psoriasis, duration of disease, site of involvement, and severity of psoriasis were noted. Slit lamp examination, fluorescein staining of ocular surface, and fundoscopy were done for both groups. Dry eye evaluation was performed by measuring the values of Schirmer 1 and tear film breakup time. Results: Prevalence rate of ocular involvement in psoriasis was found to be 61% as compared to 30% in controls. Most common ocular finding was conjunctival hyperaemia (47%) followed by dry eye (36%) and blepharitis (27%). Scalp psoriasis was found to be significantly associated with blepharitis (P < 0.0001). There was corneal involvement in 9 cases and uveitis in three cases. No correlation was found between the frequency of ocular manifestations and factors such as age, gender, duration, and the severity of psoriasis. Conclusion: Ocular manifestations in psoriasis are common and they affect mostly the anterior segment of the eye. Routine ophthalmological evaluation is important in these patients for early diagnosis, which in turn can prevent sight threatening complications.

Keywords

• blepharitis
• ocular involvement
• psoriasis
• psoriasis area and severity index score