The Ocular Disorders Observed in Patients with Vitiligo / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common disorder caused by a loss of epidermal pigment cells. The pigment cells in the skin and uveal tract are similar in their physiology and morphology and share a common embryologic origin. OBJECT The purpose of our study was to determine the nature of the relationship between vitiligo and ocular disease. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with vitiligo were examined for ocular abnormalities. RESULTS: There were 17ocular abnormalities our study; 5 fundal focal hypopigmented spots (9.6%), 6 iris pigment clumps(11.5%), and 6 lens opacity(11.5%). CONCLUSION: We believe that vitiligo may affect pigment cells in the eye. Therefore, all patients with vitiligo should have ocular examinations.