Ocular changes of non-segmental vitiligo: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the melanocytes are destroyed. Melanocytes can be destroyed anywhere in the body, compromising 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. Our aim was to detect ocular changes in non-segmental vitiligo patients.

METHODS

This study included 40 non-segmental vitiligo patients and 40 healthy volunteers as a control. Visual acuity testing, slit lamp examination and optical coherence tomography were performed on all patients as well as controls.

RESULTS

Patients with non-segmental vitiligo had a considerably greater incidence of ocular alterations than controls, although there was no significant difference in visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitiligo is a systemic condition that can affect the activity of melanocytes in organs besides the skin. The depigmentation process can influence ocular melanocytes. Ocular problems may be closely connected to vitiligo. Because ocular melanocytes aren't involved in the detection or transmission of visual pathway, there is no vision impairment.