The ocular surface findings in alopecia areata patients: clinical parameters and impression cytology

Purpose The objective of this study was to examine the effects of alopecia areata (AA) on the ocular surface and conjunctival cytology. Methods A total of 48 subjects were included in the present study. Twenty-three subjects were assigned to group 1 as the patient group, and 25 healthy individuals were included in group 2 as the control group. The ocular surface examination was performed, and the right eyes of all participants were included in the analysis. Both groups underwent the following tests for evaluation of ocular surface: tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). Results obtained from the tests were then analyzed and compared between the groups. Results The mean TBUT value was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.96 ± 3.4 vs 10.52 ± 4.8 s) ( p