Eye changes in Nigerian patients with Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Eye changes have been reported in patients with Alopecia Areata. There are no local reports of this association. We decided to find out the prevalence and to document the various eye changes in patients presenting with Alopecia Areata in this environment. We examined 13patients presenting with clinical features of Alopecia Areata. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather relevant biodata, duration of illness and previous drug history. Nine of them showed eye changes, some of which had been previously described which include lens opacities, refractive errors and retinal abnormalities. Unlike what had been previously described. 4 of our patients had definite early posterior subcapsular cataracts. We suggest that patients with Alopecia Areata should have ophthalmological examination as part of their initial assessment.