Diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with an unknown etiology characterized by noncaseating granulomas. The disorder is a multisystemic disease and affects many organs, including most often the lung, lymph nodes, skin, heart, liver, muscles, and the eye.

Material and methods: [corrected] Based on a review of the literature and on an algorithm generated in an international workshop on sarcoidosis, this article provides the reader with a schematic and simple approach to the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.

Conclusions: In a considerable proportion of cases it is the ophthalmologist who first sees patients presenting with the ocular expression of sarcoidosis. In countries where the incidence of sarcoidosis is common, like Japan, a complete workup should be performed, whereas in countries where the incidence of the disease is less high, a noninvasive approach may be warranted at first.