Ocular complications in psoriatic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To assess the prevalence of ocular findings in patients with psoriasis and compare the odds of developing these conditions between the psoriatic and control population through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to identify studies reporting ocular findings in psoriasis patients. Inclusion criteria encompassed cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies, case series, and case studies. Data extraction and quality assessment followed PRISMA guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale evaluated the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q-test and I² statistics, with a random-effects model applied where significant heterogeneity was present.

30 studies comprising 131,687 patients (13,788 with psoriasis and 117,899 controls) were included. The relative likelihood of ocular findings in psoriasis patients showed to be increased in conjunctival hyperemia (OR = 7.38; 95% CI: 2.47-22.04), conjunctivitis (OR = 4.63; 95% CI: 1.42-15.08), dry eye (OR = 3.47; 95% CI: 2.06-5.83), and meibomian gland dysfunction (OR = 7.13; 95% CI: 2.14-23.72) compared to controls. In contrast, blepharitis, cataracts, episcleritis, glaucoma, pinguecula, pterygium, and uveitis did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Psoriasis patients are at increased risk for certain ocular conditions, particularly conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop targeted management strategies.