Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid primarily affects which tissue?

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid primarily affects which tissue?

• A. Mucous membranes
• B. Cornea
• C. Retina
• D. Lens

Answer: (A)

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disease that preferentially targets mucous membrane tissues, with the conjunctiva being a primary site. Autoantibodies attack components of the basement membrane zone, causing chronic inflammation and progressive scarring of the conjunctival mucosa. This cicatrization leads to forniceal shortening, symblepharon formation, and surface instability. Other ocular tissues like the cornea, retina, and lens can be affected secondarily or as a consequence of chronic surface disease, but the initial and defining target is the mucous membranes, particularly the conjunctival mucosa.

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disease that preferentially targets mucous membrane tissues, with the conjunctiva being a primary site. Autoantibodies attack components of the basement membrane zone, causing chronic inflammation and progressive scarring of the conjunctival mucosa. This cicatrization leads to forniceal shortening, symblepharon formation, and surface instability. Other ocular tissues like the cornea, retina, and lens can be affected secondarily or as a consequence of chronic surface disease, but the initial and defining target is the mucous membranes, particularly the conjunctival mucosa.