Sarcoidosis – Ocular Sarcoid

Ocular Sarcoidosis is a condition I occasionally encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Approximately 20% of patients with Sarcoidosis experience ocular involvement.  From a dermatologic standpoint, lacrimal gland enlargement is the most apparent finding.  The lacrimal gland produces tears and enlarges so that it can be seen protruding from underneath the eyelid.  Anterior uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation of Sarcoidosis and involves inflammation of an area of the eye called the uvea that can lead to visual disturbances.  Conjunctivitis is another finding in which the conjunctiva of the eye becomes inflamed.  Patients with Ocular Sarcoid should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist so an appropriate treatment plan can be devised.