Abstract :
Introduction: Psoriasis is a long-lasting, inflammatory debilitating skin disorder with numerous extracutaneous symptoms. Ocular involvement can lead to symptoms of dryness, redness, and itching which can result in sight threatening corneal complications and lower overall quality of life. Without a focused eye examination these changes can be undiagnosed.Aim and Objective: To study the tear film changes in patients with psoriasis.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study on 30 psoriasis patients. The patients were assessed using a questionnaire for ocular symptoms/signs. For tear film assessment Schirmer's test, staining cornea with fluorescein dye and the tear film breaks up time were done.Results: Out of the 30 patients, psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis, Inverse psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis were 40%, 20%, 37%, and 3% respectively. Only 18 were symptomatic. Redness was the most prominent symptom in 11 out of 30 (37%), followed by foreign body sensation 10 (33%) and blur vision in 8 (27%). 14 patients (47%) had conjunctivitis, 14 (47%) had posterior blepharitis and 9(30%) had episcleritis. Schirmer’s test was normal in all patients, lower T.B.U.T value was present in 18 patients and 13 patients had abnormal corneal staining test.Conclusions: In our study 18 patients were symptomatic. Lower TBUT values and abnormal corneal staining were suggestive of unstable tear film. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach and prompt treatment is necessary to reduce morbidity in psoriasis patients.
Keyword :
Psoriasis, Tear film tests, Dry eye.