A study of ocular sarcoidosis using international workshop for ocular sarcoidosis criteria in a south Indian population

Purpose: To study the clinical profile of patients with ocular sarcoidosis using the new International Workshop for Ocular Sarcoidosis (IWOS) guidelines, in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study where the records of patients diagnosed to have sarcoidosis were analyzed and regraded according to the new guidelines by the International Workshop for Ocular Sarcoidosis. Results: Among the 36 sarcoidosis patient records evaluated in the study period, respiratory involvement was found in 80.6% whereas ocular involvement in 38.9% cases. Uveitis was the most common ocular manifestation seen in 59.1% of those who underwent ocular evaluation. Applying the IWOS guidelines in our patients with uveitis, we found, two had definite ocular sarcoidosis; seven had presumed ocular sarcoidosis; four had probable ocular sarcoidosis and none with possible ocular sarcoidosis. Conclusion: Sarcoidosis is not uncommon in India. Ocular features are common and need to be screened in all patients diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis. An ophthalmologist can use IWOS criteria in cases of uveitis to clinically diagnose and refer cases for systemic evaluation of sarcoidosis.