Purpose: To determine the ocular alterations occurring in alopecia areata with regard to the lens and fundus.
Methods: Seventy-five patients with alopecia areata were examined. Seventy healthy control patients unaffected by skin, ocular or systemic disorders were also studied.
Results: Symptomless punctate lens opacities were found in 38 (51%) patients, whereas only 2 (3%) control patients had similar lens changes. Fundus alterations were found in 31 (41%) cases of alopecia areata and in only 16 (23%) controls.
Conclusions: These ocular alterations and their prevalence are reported and some theories regarding the possible aetiopathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.