Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disorder caused by the autoimmune destruction of cutaneous melanocytes. Several ocular abnormalities, like uveitis, dry eye, glaucoma and retinal diseases, have been demonstrated in patients with vitiligo. A recent study aimed to investigate the association of ocular abnormalities with vitiligo. 

This meta-analysis utilized PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases to extract studies examining the association between ocular abnormalities and vitiligo from inception to December 10, 2020. Studies with patients having Sjogren’s syndrome or Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome were excluded. The Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TBUT) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) of vitiligo patients compared to the controls were primary outcomes. 

The results were as follows:

• This meta-analysis included 16 case-control studies.
• Patients with vitiligo showed significantly lower Schirmer test values, shorter TBUTs, higher ocular surface disease indices, and thinner subfoveal choroidal thicknesses.
• The prevalence of glaucoma and the level of intraocular pressure demonstrated no significant differences. 

This study supports an association between dry eye and thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with vitiligo. Dermatologists must consider these possible comorbidities and refer vitiligo patients with ocular symptoms to ophthalmologists for further management.

Source: Ma SH, Wu PC, Chang JY, et al. Ocular abnormalities in patients with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatology 2022 April 4:1-10.