The Role of Screening for Asymptomatic Ocular Inflammation in Sarcoidosis

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To determine the utility of routine screening ophthalmic exam in patients with systemic sarcoidosis and no history of uveitis.

Methods

Prospective, single-center, observational study conducted at Northwestern University from October 11, 2012 to October 1, 2020 of new patients with biopsy-proven systemic sarcoidosis and no history of uveitis, referred by medical subspecialists for screening ophthalmic exam.

Results

Forty-nine patients, with mean age of 51 ± 8.7 years, 59% female, 47% African American, 43% Caucasian, were enrolled. The majority (55%) had no ocular symptoms. The most common location of ocular involvement was the adnexa, in the form of conjunctival nodules (62%) and aqueous tear deficiency (23%). Intraocular inflammation was detected in 6 patients (13%); only 2 had active disease requiring treatment (4%). No asymptomatic patient had ocular involvement necessitating treatment.

Conclusion

Screening exams are indicated in sarcoidosis patients with ocular symptoms. No benefit of screening was demonstrated in asymptomatic patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Sarcoidosis
• uveitis
• inflammatory eye disease
• screening

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by an Unrestricted Departmental Grant from Research to Prevent Blindness