Significant alterations in corneal sensitivity, staining and biomechanics among alopecia areata (AA) patients indicate a potential predisposition to keratoconus, reported authors of a new Spanish study. 

Writing in the Journal of Clinical Medicine researchers from the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ophthalmology department and the Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria’s Trichology Unit recruited 25 AA patients and 29 control subjects. The AA patients had significantly higher values in anterior topographic flat meridian, mean anterior keratometry and maximum keratometric point, while pachymetry values were lower and the keratoconus index and Belin/Ambrosio-enhanced ectasia total deviation display were increased in AA patients, said the team. 

The findings underscore the importance of routine ophthalmological examinations for AA patients, who may be at a higher risk of developing keratoconus, they said.