Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
06:29
Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
Ocular sarcoidosis in a Korean population
Sun Young Lee1, Hee Gyung Lee, Dong Soon Kim
1Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Ocular sarcoidosis is rare in Korea, affecting 21% of patients, primarily women. Most cases involve anterior uveitis, with good visual outcomes achieved through steroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
- Ocular involvement is a common manifestation of sarcoidosis.
- Data on ocular sarcoidosis in Asian populations, particularly Korea, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of ocular sarcoidosis.
- To analyze the patterns of intraocular inflammation and associated complications.
- To evaluate visual outcomes in Korean patients with ocular sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 104 biopsy-proven sarcoidosis patients.
- Analysis of medical records, photographs, and fluorescein angiograms.
- Inclusion of patients diagnosed between 1993 and 2007 at Asan Medical Center, Seoul.
Main Results:
- 22% of patients (21% of total) exhibited ocular sarcoidosis, with a female predominance (86%).
- Anterior uveitis was the most common presentation (41%), followed by intermediate uveitis (31%).
- Cataract (30%) and glaucoma (15%) were the most frequent ocular complications, with good visual prognosis overall.
Conclusions:
- Ocular sarcoidosis is uncommon in Korea but presents with distinct characteristics.
- Predominantly anterior segment involvement and a favorable visual prognosis were observed.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific epidemiology in this region.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...