Ocular manifestations of psoriasis: An inflammatory disease beyond the skin

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, mainly involves skin. Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of ocular manifestations in Iranian patients with psoriasis, compared to healthy controls. Materials and methods: Forty psoriasis patients and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study and underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic assessment. Results: Only meibomian gland dysfunction was significantly more common among patients with psoriasis, compared to control group (p value: 0.011). Regarding intraocular pressure (IOP), the mean values for both patients and healthy controls were within the normal range and mean IOP in patients was even lower than normal controls, although this difference was significant only for left eye (p value: 0.049). A strong positive correlation between PASI and tear meniscus height for both right and left eyes (p value: 0.005, r: 0.44 for OD and p value: 0.003, r: 0.46 for OS.) was noted. Meibomian gland dysfunction was also positively correlated with disease duration for right and left palpebras (p: 0.04, r: 0.31 for both). Conclusion: Psoriasis can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, especially in patients with long-lasting disease. Hence, dermatologists and general practitioners should be vigilant in this regard when visiting psoriasis patients, especially those who have higher PASI values or long-lasting disease.