Evaluation of corneal topographic parameters in patients with psoriasis

Background: To evaluate corneal topographic parameters in patients with psoriasis. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study included 50 right eyes of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 right eyes of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Detailed dermatological and ophthalmological examinations were performed in all cases. Noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), meibography, keratometry values, and high-order corneal aberrations (HOAs) were obtained using corneal topography and compared to healthy subjects. These values were also evaluated according to anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) use, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, psoriasis duration, and patient age. The chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation test were used for statistical assessment. Results: Lower NIBUT and higher meibomian gland loss (MGL) were detected in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of corneal HOAs. Higher MGL was detected in patients using anti-TNF-alpha than in patients not using it. A positive correlation was found among topographic parameters, especially between PASI score and the patient's age. No correlations were found between the disease duration and the other parameters. Conclusion: NIBUT and MGL are more common in psoriasis patients than in healthy subjects. The relationship between anti-TNF-alpha use, PASI score, patient age, and corneal parameters should be considered in the follow-up and treatment of ocular findings in psoriasis patients.