Ocular sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis, a chronic multisystem disease, is a common cause of ocular inflammation. Even though clinical features are well-established, diagnosis requires histological confirmation, which remains difficult in patients with uveitis. Thus, the frequency of ocular sarcoidosis is overestimated. A set of criteria has been recently established in order to improve the diagnostic procedure. New imaging tools will enable the ophthalmologist to evaluate the level of ocular inflammation and to monitor its resolution after treatment initiation. Indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography have dramatically improved our understanding of choroidal granulomas and macular edema. Treatment is based on topical and systemic corticosteroids in most of the cases, but immuno-suppressive agents may be necessary. The visual outcome remains favorable but severe complications, including glaucoma, cystoid macular edema and choroidal neovascularization, may need a prompt and aggressive management.