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Poliosis

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1 year 7 months ago #333 by Safa Abdurahman Ali
Poliosis was created by Safa Abdurahman Ali
Poliosis is neither a miracle nor a disease in itself. It refers to localized depigmentation of hair, which can affect eyelashes, eyebrows, and sometimes the scalp. A benign sign or symptom that, can be an important clinical indicator of several eye diseases and systemic conditions. Here are some connections between poliosis and eye diseases:

•Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome
•Sympathetic Ophthalmia 
•Chronic Anterior Uveitis
•Fuchs’ Heterochromic Iridocyclitis
•Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
•Blepharitis

When a patient presents with poliosis, particularly involving the eyelashes or eyebrows, it’s important to conduct a thorough eye examination to identify any associated ocular or systemic conditions. An eye exam considerations:

1. Comprehensive Ocular History:
   - Onset and Duration: Determine when first appeared and whether it has been progressive.

   - Associated Symptoms: Ask about any history of eye pain, redness, photophobia, vision changes, or floaters.

   - Systemic Symptoms: Inquire about skin changes (e.g., vitiligo), hearing loss, neurological symptoms, or a history of autoimmune diseases.

   - Family History: Check for any family history of similar symptoms or known genetic conditions like Waardenburg syndrome.

 2. Visual Acuity:
   - Identify any reduction which suggest uveitis or other inflammatory conditions.

3. External Examination:
   - Inspection: Look for poliosis of the eyelashes and eyebrows, and check for associated vitiligo or other skin changes.

   - Eyelid and Lash Examination: Evaluate for signs of chronic blepharitis, cicatricial changes, or madarosis.

4. Slit-Lamp Examination:
   - Anterior Segment:
     - Conjunctiva: Check for signs of chronic inflammation, scarring, or symblepharon (as in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid).
     - Cornea: Evaluate for KP or corneal edema, which may suggest uveitis.
     - Iris: Look for iris nodules or heterochromia (e.g., in Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis).
     - Anterior Chamber: Assess for the presence of cells or flare, which are indicative of active inflammation.
   - Lens: Examine for cataracts, particularly if uveitis or Fuchs' syndrome is suspected.

5. IOP Measurement:
- Check for elevated pressure, which may be associated with uveitis or glaucoma (e.g., in Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis).

6. Fundus Examination:
- Optic Disc and Retina: Evaluate for signs of posterior uveitis, choroiditis, or optic nerve involvement. Look for evidence of exudates, hemorrhages, or retinal detachment (which can be associated with VKH syndrome).

7. Ancillary Tests:
- OCT: Assess the retina and optic nerve for subtle signs of inflammation or edema.

- FA: Identifying vasculitis or choroiditis if posterior segment involvement is suspected.

- B-scan: Evaluate the posterior segment. where there is media opacity.

8. Systemic Evaluation:
- If there are signs of systemic involvement (e.g., hearing loss, neurological symptoms), referring the patient to a specialist for further evaluation, including dermatology, rheumatology, or neurology as appropriate.

9. Laboratory Investigations:
- Based on clinical suspicion, consider lab tests for autoimmune markers (e.g., ANA, HLA typing), infection workup, or genetic testing for syndromes associated with poliosis.

Patient Education and Follow-Up:
- Educate the patient about the potential implications and the importance of follow-up, especially if any ocular or systemic condition is identified.

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