Vitiligo-associated ocular abnormalities in Egyptian patients

Abstract

Background Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the melanocytes are destroyed. Melanocytes can be destroyed anywhere in the body, compromis ing the function of the organs where they are found. Melanocytes in the epidermis and the uveal tract share a common embryological origin in addition to physiological and morphological similarities. Objective To evaluate the vitiligo-associated ocular abnormalities in Egyptian patients. Patients and methods The study included 30 vitiligo patients and 30 age and sex-matched healthy volunteers as a control. Complete history taking, general, dermatological, and ophthalmic examination including visual acuity test and dilated fundoscopy were performed on all patients as well as controls. Results Regarding ocular changes, it was significantly higher in cases than controls. Also, there was a significant relation between the presence of ocular changes and certain types of vitiligo (the facial then the acrofacial). Moreover, there was a significant relation between VASI score and family history. Conclusions There is a reasonable percentage of Egyptian vitiligo patients who are found to have ocular changes. Also, there is an important relationship between ocular changes and the history of vitiligo in the family. It is possible to predict ocular changes in some patients because we know that they are associated with a certain type of vitiligo which is the facial then the acrofacial.