The following is a summary of “Ocular manifestations of liver disease: an important diagnostic aid,” published in the April 2024 issue of Ophthalmology by Patel et al.
Liver disease, both congenital and acquired, can manifest in various ocular conditions. Recognizing these associations aids in broadening differential diagnoses for quicker detection and intervention is necessary.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study exploring different ocular manifestations associated with liver diseases, including metabolic deficiencies, viral infections, and immune-related conditions.
They gathered recent data from PubMed (2000-2020) using relevant keywords to assess liver conditions. Various liver diseases affecting the eyes were studied and summarized comprehensively.
The results showed that ocular manifestations of liver disease can cause vitamin A deficiency, which is correlated to impaired vitamin A homeostasis. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis can result in vitamin A deficiency, which further leads to Bitot spots, xerosis, and corneal necrosis. Congenital liver diseases like mucopolysaccharidoses and peroxisomal disorders were also in association with ocular signs. Viral liver diseases are associated with retinal vasculitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, retinopathies, Mooren’s ulcer, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to peripheral ulcerative keratitis and uveitis.
Investigators concluded that ocular and liver pathologies help detect and manage conditions early. However, more research is required to strengthen these connections.
Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10792-024-03103-y