ISSN : 2663-2187

Prevalence of Ocular Manifestations and Histopathological Findings in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Tahir Mahmood Khan, Nosheen Khurram, Huma Aslam, Muhammad Imran Ali, Sana Younas, Shahbaz Aman, Farah Naz Tahir
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.16.2024.3522-3531

Abstract

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder that predominantly affects the oral cavity but can also have extra-oral manifestations. Among these extra-oral manifestations, ocular involvement has been increasingly reported. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of ocular manifestations in patients with OLP and to investigate the histopathological changes associated with ocular involvement. This cross-sectional study included 100 patients diagnosed with OLP, of which 25% presented with ocular symptoms, such as dry eyes, burning sensations, and visual disturbances. Slit-lamp examination and ocular surface staining revealed conjunctival xerosis and keratitis in a subset of patients. Histopathological evaluation of ocular biopsies showed significant infiltration of T-lymphocytes in the conjunctival epithelium and evidence of basal cell degeneration, similar to the histopathology of OLP in the oral mucosa. These findings suggest that ocular manifestations in OLP are not uncommon and share similar pathological features. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation of OLP patients for ocular involvement, which can often be overlooked. The inclusion of histopathological assessment in ocular evaluations offers valuable insights into the pathophysiology of ocular involvement in OLP and may help in guiding targeted management strategies. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management, including ophthalmologic and dermatologic intervention, are crucial to improving patient outcomes.

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