Vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by depigmentation due to the loss of melanocytes, affects approximately 1% of the global population1. In addition to skin depigmentation, vitiligo is associated with other conditions such as alopecia, hearing loss, and inflammatory bowel disease1. The exact mechanism underlying melanocyte loss in vitiligo is not fully understood, but two commonly discussed hypotheses involve autoimmune destruction of melanocytes and oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) 1.

In contrast to vitiligo, oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is another hypomelanotic disease where melanocytes are present but pigmentary enzymes within melanosomes are non-functional or absent . OCA patients often experience photophobia and nystagmus in addition to pigmentary changes. During early fetal development, melanosomes form within the retinal pigment epithelium of the eye, and melanin production occurs until the age of two. In OCA, visual defects may be attributed to deficiencies in melanin production during this critical period.

The impact of later-onset melanocyte loss on the eyes in vitiligo patients is still a subject of investigation and remains uncertain 2. Further research is needed to understand the potential effects of melanocyte loss on ocular function in individuals with vitiligo.

Recent studies have shed light on ocular pathologies in vitiligo, providing valuable insights into the association between vitiligo and various eye conditions. LeWitt et al. conducted a systematic review and found an increased risk of dry eye, choroidal and retinal pigmentary abnormalities in individuals with vitiligo1. However, no significant association was observed between vitiligo and cataracts, intraocular pressure, or uveitis 1. Interestingly, the risk of iris atrophy showed mixed findings, with some studies reporting an increased risk compared to healthy controls and others not finding such an association1.