Ocular findings in alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a T cell mediated disease with which many disorders may be associated. There are few studies reporting ocular findings in alopecia areata. The aim of the study is to assess tear function and ocular surface pathologies in alopecia areata. Thirty-two patients with alopecia areata and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire, Schirmer, tear break-up time, and corneal staining stage tests were done. The data was analyzed using SPSS 10.0 software. One-way variance analysis and Chi-square tests were used as tests of significance. The patient group had significantly higher ocular surface disease index questionnaire and corneal staining stage test scores and lower tear break-up time test scores compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Dry eye disease (DED) was diagnosed in 27 (84%) of 32 alopecia areata patients and in only 3 (15%) of 20 controls, and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.01). T cell mediated autoimmunity has a prominent role in the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata and dry eye disease. We think that inflammatory mechanisms causing alopecia areata may trigger dry eye disease or vice versa. All patients with AA should be referred to an ophthalmologist for the evaluation of DED and other possible eye pathologies.