Ocular alterations in alopecia areata

Purpose To determine the ocular alterations occurring in alopecia areata with regard to the lens and fundus. Methods Seventy-five patients with alopecia areata were examined. Seventy healthy control patients unaffected by skin, ocular or systemic disorders were also studied. Results Symptomless punctate lens opacities were found in 38 (51%) patients, whereas only 2 (3%) control patients had similar lens changes. Fundus alterations were found in 31 (41%) cases of alopecia areata and in only 16 (23%) controls. Conclusions These ocular alterations and their prevalence are reported and some theories regarding the possible aetiopathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.