Ocular Surface Findings in Patients With Lichen Planopilaris.

PURPOSE: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a chronic lymphocytic- mediated disorder that selectively involves hair follicles, leading to cicatricial alopecia. The eyelash follicle and meibomian gland (MG) might also be involved in the disease process leading to ocular surface problems.

METHODS: In this Cross-sectional case -control study, twenty-three patients with histologically confirmed LPP and 23 healthy controls were recruited in this controlled study. To quantify the signs and symptoms of LPP, we used the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index. The ophthalmologic examination was performed by the same ophthalmologist at Farabi Eye Hospital.

RESULTS: Patients with LPP had a statistically significant lower tear breakup time (worse test outcome) compared with the control (7.1 6 4.1 vs. 9.6 6 4.4; respectively, P = 0.011). Both MG quality score and expressibility were higher in patients with LPP than in control subjects (14.1 6 4.3 vs. 9.3 6 4.4; P = 0.001; 1.5 6 1.0 vs. 0.4 6 0.8; P = 0.001; respectively). The Schirmer test score was not different between groups. A significant but weak correlation was found between the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index and tear breakup time. Other ophthalmologic examinations including conjunctiva, lid margin shape, intraocular pressure, and funduscopy were normal in patients with LPP.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LPP, scored worse in ocular surface tests. This finding warrants special scrutiny for dry eye and MG dysfunction in these patients.