Pattern of ocular manifestations in patients with sarcoidosis in developing countries

Abstract

Purpose: Sarcoidosis is increasingly diagnosed in developing countries, although it was earlier thought to be uncommon. We describe the pattern of ocular manifestations in sarcoidosis in India.

Methods: A total of 48 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed sarcoidosis, referred to a teaching university hospital, underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination, irrespective of whether they had eye symptoms or not.

Results: Ocular involvement was seen in 14 (29%) patients. The mean age at presentation was 50 years, and neither two peaks of incidence nor a female preponderance could be demonstrated. The majority of patients had chronic disease. Posterior uveitis was distinctly more common (12/14) than anterior (5/14) uveitis. Conjunctival involvement was uncommon. These findings differ from those reported in the Western literature.

Conclusions: Eye involvement is common in sarcoidosis in India and may occur without ocular symptoms. Posterior segment involvement is more common than has been reported. Ophthalmologists need to be aware of ocular involvement in this disease as untreated disease can have significant visual consequences.