Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(4): 452-462
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1262213
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Ocular Sarcoidosis

Robert P. Baughman1 , Elyse E. Lower1 , 2 , Adam H. Kaufman3
  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • 2Oncology Hematology Care, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • 3Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 July 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Ocular disease occurs in approximately a third of sarcoidosis patients. The rate of disease varies around the world, with Japanese sarcoidosis patients having ocular disease in more than 70% of cases. If untreated, ocular disease can lead to permanent visual impairment, including blindness. The most common manifestation is uveitis, with anterior involvement often being self-limiting, whereas posterior involvement can be chronic. The diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis in patients with known sarcoidosis usually requires a specific examination by an ophthalmologist. For patients presenting with uveitis of unknown etiology, criteria have been proposed for diagnosing ocular sarcoidosis. The treatment of ocular disease ranges from topical therapy to systemic treatments such as methotrexate. Recent reports have demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies blocking tumor necrosis factor can be quite effective for chronic refractory ocular sarcoidosis.

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Robert P BaughmanM.D. 

1001 Holmes, Eden Ave., Cincinnati

OH 45267-0565

Email: bob.baughman@uc.edu

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