In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Evaluation of the Limbus and Cornea in Vogt Koyanagi Haradas Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Aim

To elucidate the microarchitecture of limbus and cornea in subjects with Vogt Koyanagi Haradas syndrome (VKH)

Methods

From January 2019 to December 2019 a total of 17 VKH subjects, 5 acute and 12 chronic, 18 non VKH uveitis controls, and 6 healthy controls were recruited for this study . In vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM) analysis of the limbal basal epithelium, scleral side of the limbus, limbal niche, corneal keratocytes, and corneal nerves was carried out .

Results

Absence of pigmented cells in the limbal basal epithelium, presence of inflammatory cells on the scleral side of the limbus, fibrotic niche, degenerated keratocytes, thinning, and beading of corneal nerves were noted in VKH eyes as compared to controls.

Conclusion

Presence of inflammatory cells and depigmentation of limbus in chronic VHK points to disease progression.Keratocyte and corneal nerve changes in Vogt Koyanagi Haradas syndrom are novel findings.

KEYWORDS:

• IVCM
• VKH
• inflammatory cells
• keratocytes
• corneal nerves

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr Venkatesh Prajna Chief Cornea services, Aravind Eye Hospital Madurai for permission to use the IVCM facility and Sister Sumithra for her technical expertise.

Declaration

We have no conflict of interests.