Prevalence And Patterns Of Ocular Manifestations In Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin, nails, joints, and eyes. Ocular manifestations in psoriasis, such as dry eyes, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and uveitis, are often overlooked despite their potential impact on quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and types of ocular manifestations in psoriasis patients and their correlation with disease severity. Methods: This observational study was conducted at Government Medical College, Jammu, between March 2022 and March 2023. It included 50 psoriasis patients who underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, such as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and fundus examination. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was calculated for each participant to assess disease severity. Results: The mean disease duration was 5.5 ± 3.8 years, and 62% of patients (n=31) exhibited ocular manifestations. Dry eyes were the most common finding (22%), followed by cataract/pseudophakia (14%), blepharitis (14%), chronic conjunctivitis (8%), and uveitis (4%). Patients with higher PASI scores were more likely to have ocular involvement. Conclusion: The study highlights that ocular manifestations are a significant complication of psoriasis, with dry eyes being the most prevalent. Routine ophthalmic evaluations are recommended for early detection and management of ocular conditions in psoriasis patients.