Vitiligo is an acquired localized or generalized total loss of pigment secondary to loss of melanocytes. Its cause is unknown. In 1947, El Mofty1 introduced the use of methoxsalen for the treatment of vitiligo. Parrish et al2 described the use of psoralens in combination with high-intensity long ultraviolet wavelengths (UV-A) as an effective treatment for vitiligo. The UV-A-induced cataract formation has been reported in animals,3,4 but not in humans. The following is a report of cataracts found in a patient who received photochemotherapy for vitiligo.
Report of a Case
In early 1976, progressive depigmentation of both hands developed in a 42-year-old black woman. There had been no contact with phenolic compounds or history of alopecia, cataracts, vitiligo, diabetes, or thyroid disease. The patient had no history of ophthalmologic disease. She did not have an ophthalmologic examination at that time. The hemoglobin level was 11.2 g/dL, with normal