Autoimmune Eye Diseases: Understanding Their Impact on Vision Health
How do autoimmune diseases affect the eyes. What are the common autoimmune conditions linked to vision problems. Which risk factors contribute to the development of autoimmune eye diseases. How can early detection and treatment improve outcomes for patients with autoimmune eye conditions.
The Complex Relationship Between Autoimmune Diseases and Eye Health
Autoimmune diseases present a unique challenge to the human body, as they occur when the immune system fails to distinguish between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells. This misidentification leads to an attack on healthy tissues, potentially affecting various organs and systems, including the eyes. Understanding the intricate relationship between autoimmune conditions and ocular health is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.
The eyes, being an integral part of the body’s complex system, are not immune to the effects of autoimmune disorders. In fact, several autoimmune diseases can significantly impact vision and overall eye health. Let’s explore some of the most common autoimmune conditions that affect the eyes and their potential consequences.
Behcet’s Disease: A Rare but Serious Threat to Vision
Behcet’s disease is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. When it affects the eyes, it can lead to severe complications.
How does Behcet’s disease impact ocular health?
- Causes ocular lesions in both anterior and posterior eye segments
- Can lead to uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and optic neuritis
- May result in vision loss if left untreated
Early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial in managing Behcet’s disease and preserving vision. Regular eye examinations and close collaboration between rheumatologists and ophthalmologists are essential for patients with this condition.
Crohn’s Disease: Beyond the Digestive Tract
While primarily known for its effects on the digestive system, Crohn’s disease can also manifest in the eyes. This inflammatory bowel disease can cause extraintestinal symptoms, including ocular complications.
What eye problems are associated with Crohn’s disease?
- Episcleritis: Inflammation of the episclera, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye
- Dry eye syndrome: Decreased tear production leading to eye discomfort
Patients with Crohn’s disease should be aware of potential eye symptoms and report any changes in vision or eye discomfort to their healthcare providers promptly. Regular eye check-ups can help detect and manage ocular complications early.
Diabetes: A Silent Threat to Vision
While not typically classified as an autoimmune disease, Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune in nature, and both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can have significant impacts on eye health.
How does diabetes affect the eyes?
- Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the retina
- Diabetic macular edema: Swelling in the macula, affecting central vision
- Increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts
- Fluctuations in vision due to changes in blood sugar levels
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels and attending regular diabetic eye screenings are crucial for preventing and managing diabetes-related eye complications. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss in diabetic patients.
Lupus: A Systemic Autoimmune Condition with Ocular Manifestations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the eyes. The ocular manifestations of lupus can vary in severity and may involve different parts of the eye.
What are the common eye problems associated with lupus?
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome)
- Retinal vasculitis
- Scleritis and episcleritis
- Optic neuritis
- Choroidopathy
Lupus patients should be monitored closely for eye-related symptoms, as early detection and treatment can prevent permanent vision damage. Collaboration between rheumatologists and ophthalmologists is essential for comprehensive care.
Multiple Sclerosis: When the Nervous System Affects Vision
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. Visual disturbances are often among the first symptoms experienced by MS patients.
How does multiple sclerosis impact vision?
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, causing pain and vision loss
- Diplopia: Double vision due to weakness in eye muscles
- Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements
- Visual field defects
Regular eye examinations and prompt reporting of visual symptoms are crucial for MS patients. Early treatment of optic neuritis and other visual complications can help preserve vision and improve quality of life.
Thyroid Eye Disease: When Hormones Affect Ocular Health
Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune condition closely associated with thyroid disorders, particularly Graves’ disease. It can cause significant changes in the appearance and function of the eyes.
What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease?
- Proptosis: Bulging of the eyes
- Eyelid retraction
- Dry eyes and irritation
- Double vision
- Pressure or pain in the eyes
- Vision changes
Management of thyroid eye disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and sometimes orbital surgeons. Early intervention and close monitoring can help prevent severe complications and preserve vision.
Sjögren’s Syndrome: When Dryness Affects More Than Just the Mouth
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder primarily characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. However, its impact on ocular health goes beyond mere dryness and can lead to significant complications if left untreated.
How does Sjögren’s syndrome affect the eyes?
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Corneal ulceration and scarring
- Increased risk of eye infections
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
Management of Sjögren’s-related eye problems often involves a combination of artificial tears, punctal plugs, and in some cases, immunosuppressive medications. Regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist is essential for preventing complications and maintaining ocular health.
Uveitis: When the Eye’s Middle Layer Is Under Attack
Uveitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. While it can occur independently, it is often associated with various autoimmune diseases.
What are the symptoms and potential complications of uveitis?
- Eye redness and pain
- Blurred vision
- Floaters or flashes of light
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Potential vision loss if left untreated
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of uveitis are crucial to prevent permanent vision damage. Treatment often involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Autoimmune Eye Diseases
While the exact causes of autoimmune diseases remain elusive, several risk factors have been identified that may increase an individual’s susceptibility to these conditions. Understanding these risk factors can help in developing preventive strategies and early intervention programs.
What are the common risk factors for autoimmune diseases affecting the eyes?
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental triggers (e.g., infections, toxins)
- Hormonal factors (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
- Stress
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Vitamin D deficiency
While some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be modified, others can be addressed through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing stress, and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels may help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune conditions.
Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Eye Diseases
Early detection and proper management of autoimmune eye diseases are crucial for preserving vision and maintaining quality of life. Diagnosis often involves a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
What diagnostic tools are used for autoimmune eye diseases?
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Blood tests for autoantibodies and inflammatory markers
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein angiography
- Visual field testing
- Neuroimaging (in cases of suspected MS or other neurological conditions)
Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. They may include:
- Corticosteroids (topical, oral, or injectable)
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Biologic therapies
- Artificial tears and lubricants
- Surgical interventions in severe cases
Regular follow-up and close collaboration between rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists are essential for optimal management of autoimmune eye diseases.
The Future of Autoimmune Eye Disease Treatment
Research in the field of autoimmune eye diseases is ongoing, with promising developments on the horizon. New targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches may revolutionize the management of these conditions in the coming years.
What are some emerging treatments for autoimmune eye diseases?
- Gene therapy for specific genetic forms of autoimmune diseases
- Novel biologic agents targeting specific inflammatory pathways
- Stem cell therapies for tissue regeneration
- Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems
- Artificial intelligence for early detection and monitoring of eye changes
As our understanding of the immune system and its role in ocular health deepens, we can expect more refined and effective treatments for autoimmune eye diseases. This progress offers hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for patients affected by these challenging conditions.
Living with Autoimmune Eye Diseases: Coping Strategies and Support
Dealing with an autoimmune eye disease can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Developing effective coping strategies and seeking support are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and quality of life.
How can patients cope with autoimmune eye diseases?
- Educate yourself about your condition
- Adhere to treatment plans and follow-up appointments
- Join support groups or online communities
- Practice stress-reduction techniques
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Consider counseling or therapy if needed
- Explore assistive devices for vision impairment
Building a strong support network, including healthcare providers, family, friends, and fellow patients, can make a significant difference in managing the challenges of autoimmune eye diseases. Many organizations offer resources, education, and support for individuals affected by these conditions.
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Care in Autoimmune Eye Diseases
Given the complex nature of autoimmune eye diseases and their potential to affect multiple body systems, an interdisciplinary approach to care is essential. Collaboration between various specialists can ensure comprehensive management and improved outcomes for patients.
Which specialists may be involved in treating autoimmune eye diseases?
- Ophthalmologists
- Rheumatologists
- Endocrinologists
- Neurologists
- Immunologists
- Primary care physicians
- Optometrists
- Occupational therapists
Coordinated care among these specialists can lead to more accurate diagnoses, optimized treatment plans, and better management of both ocular and systemic symptoms. Patients should be encouraged to communicate openly with their healthcare team and facilitate information sharing between different providers.
Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications for Eye Health
While not all autoimmune eye diseases can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications and preventive measures can help maintain overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk or severity of ocular complications.
What steps can individuals take to protect their eye health?
- Regular eye examinations
- Protecting eyes from UV radiation
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients
- Staying hydrated
- Practicing good hygiene to prevent eye infections
- Managing underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Getting adequate sleep and managing stress
By adopting these healthy habits, individuals can contribute to their overall eye health and potentially mitigate some of the risks associated with autoimmune eye diseases. However, it’s important to note that these measures do not replace professional medical care and regular check-ups with eye specialists.
The Role of Research in Advancing Autoimmune Eye Disease Understanding
Ongoing research plays a crucial role in expanding our knowledge of autoimmune eye diseases, their causes, and potential treatments. Clinical trials and basic science research contribute to the development of new therapies and improved diagnostic techniques.
What are some current areas of research in autoimmune eye diseases?
- Genetic factors contributing to disease susceptibility
- Environmental triggers and their role in disease onset
- Novel biomarkers for early detection and monitoring
- Targeted immunotherapies with fewer side effects
- Regenerative medicine approaches for ocular tissue repair
- Artificial intelligence in disease prediction and management
Patients and healthcare providers should stay informed about ongoing research and clinical trials. Participation in research studies can not only potentially benefit individual patients but also contribute to the broader understanding of these conditions and the development of new treatments.
Autoimmune Diseases That Affect the Eyes
An autoimmune disease occurs when the natural defense system of a body is not able to differentiate its own cells from foreign cells. As a result, the immune system mistakenly attacks normal cells. Nearly every part of the body – including the eyes – can take the brunt of autoimmune diseases.
In this article, a reputable eye clinic takes a closer look at some of the autoimmune diseases that can heavily affect the eyes, the common symptoms of these conditions and their risk factors.
Autoimmune Diseases That Are Linked to Vision Health
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts, from nerves and joints to eyes. Some autoimmune diseases that typically affect the eyes are:
Behcet Disease
This rare autoimmune disease characterized by ocular lesions, skin lesions and genital ulcers is a leading case of blindness in some parts of the world. It can affect the anterior and posterior portions of the eye.
Crohn’s Disease
This type of inflammatory bowel disease causes swelling of the tissues in the digestive tract. The main eye-related problem that can occur with Crohn’s disease is episcleritis, a common and benign cause of red eye.
Diabetes
A potential effect of diabetes is swelling of the eye lens. If blood sugar levels change from low to normal too quickly, the shape of the eye lens can be affected, leading to blurred vision. High blood sugar can also damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye.
Lupus
Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many systems of the body, including the skin, brain, heart and lungs. The effects of lupus in and around the eyes include inflammation of the white outer layer of the eyeball, changes in the skin around the eyelids and damage to nerves controlling eye movement.
Multiple Sclerosis
This is a lifelong condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. Optic neuritis or inflammation of the optic nerve is a common symptom of this disease. It usually occurs in one eye and can cause blurred vision, loss of color vision and pain with eye movement.
Psoriasis
A common chronic skin disease, psoriasis causes rashes with itchy, scaly patches all over the body, most typically on the scalp, knees and elbows. Some types of psoriasis are linked to a heightened risk of developing inflammatory eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyelid.
Reactive Arthritis
Formerly known as Reiter’s syndrome, reactive arthritis is a condition that causes redness and swelling in various joints of the body. Many people with this condition also develop conjunctivitis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes painful swelling in affected parts of the body. Its most common eye-related symptom is dryness of the sclera, which, if left untreated, can cause damage to the cornea, the clear surface that helps the eye focus.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
A disorder of the immune system, Sjogren’s syndrome is identified by its two most common symptoms: dry eyes and a dry mouth. Because of the decrease in tear production, the eyes may feel extremely dry, itchy or burning.
Thyroid Diseases
This is a group of autoimmune diseases that result in high or low thyroid function. It increases the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that causes high pressure inside the eye. With Graves’ disease, for instance, tissues build up around the eye and increase pressure. With low-thyroid disorders, on the other hand, pressure builds up because the eye is not able to effectively circulate its fluids.
Uveitis
This is an autoimmune disease that directly affects the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall called uvea. Its common symptoms include eye redness, pain and blurred vision. It can affect one or both eyes and can cause vision loss if left untreated by an eye specialist.
Risk Factors of Autoimmune Diseases
While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, some people are more likely to develop an autoimmune disease than others. Risk factors that increase the chances of developing autoimmune diseases include:
Genetics: Certain autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis do tend to run in families, meaning that certain genes make some people more likely to develop them. Viruses, chemicals and other things in the environment can trigger an autoimmune disease if the body already possesses the genes for it.
Weight: Obesity increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. This could be due to heavier weight putting significant strain on the joints or fat tissues producing substances that encourage inflammation.
Smoking: Research has also linked smoking to the development of several immune and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism and multiple sclerosis. Smoking has wide-reaching effects on the immune system, including increasing inflammation levels and allergic conditions.
Medications: Some blood pressure medications or antibiotics can trigger drug-induced lupus, a generally milder version of the idiopathic disorder. Specific medications used to lower cholesterol can also trigger statin-induced myopathy, a rare autoimmune disease causing muscle weakness.
Medicines That Can Help Treat Eye Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
Fortunately, there are over-the-counter medicines that can help alleviate the eye-related symptoms of autoimmune diseases. These include artificial tears, lubricating gels and ointments, all of which can help with dry eyes. These medicines bring moisture back to the surface of the eye. Other inflammatory conditions are sometimes treated with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are available over the counter. Patients who do not respond to oral medications should be referred to an ophthalmologist for possible treatment with immunosuppressive medications.
The Importance of Getting Regular Eye Examinations
Aside from eating a balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle, one of the most critical steps to preserve eyesight is to regularly attend appointments with an ophthalmologist. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, all adults should undergo eye screening at age 40 to maintain healthy vision, especially if they have not seen an eye specialist previously. Generally, however, adults aged 18 to 60 should get a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years.
If you happen to be affected by an autoimmune disease:
You should not wait until you are 40 years old to get a vision health screening. If you have not been to an ophthalmologist in the past year, it will be for your own benefit to see one now.
Make sure you talk to your doctor about how often you need a vision screening. If you are experiencing symptoms related to vision health issues, then you will definitely need to get screened more frequently. Some patients get screened as often as every six months, but this is for severe cases.
It is also important to get regular eye examinations if you are taking medications for autoimmune disease treatment, such as hydroxychloroquine, which can cause ocular toxicity to various parts of the eye. Other medications for autoimmune diseases that can have negative effects on vision health include corticosteroids, which can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma when used long-term.
Most autoimmune diseases can be managed with medication, although serious eye damage and, in some cases, blindness can happen if they are not treated. An eye doctor and an autoimmune specialist should work closely together to effectively treat eye symptoms that occur with autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune Disease and Vision – All About Eyes
Autoimmune diseases affect millions of Americans. You may have heard of some of these: Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Graves’ disease, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, or Lyme disease. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, there are over 100 known autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune Disease Explained
So, what exactly is an autoimmune disease? Our bodies have a built-in defense-against-disease mechanism called the immune system. It helps us to fight off viruses, bad bacteria, germs, cancer cells, and the like. Sometimes though, this same protective system can get confused and start attacking the body even when it is well. This is what is known as autoimmunity. Various diseases, like the ones mentioned above, can develop. Often times, the eyes are one of the first areas to be noticeably affected – along with joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and other conditions specific to the disease.
How Autoimmune Diseases Affect the Eyes
There are several ways that autoimmune diseases affect the eyes, below are just a few conditions that can develop. It is important that you speak with your eye care provider and follow up with any referrals to other professionals they make to fully determine if an autoimmune disease is an underlying cause.
A common complaint for those with autoimmune diseases is dry eye, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. This is a tricky one because nearly half of all American adults experience dry eye syndrome regularly. So, how to know when it’s just “regular” dry eye versus “autoimmune disease” dry eye? That can usually be determined by your eye care provider asking follow-up questions related to other generally known symptoms and referring you to a specialist or to your primary care physician for a more thorough check-up.
Other parts of the eye can be affected too. Anterior Uveitis, for example, is an inflammation of the iris (the colored area of the eye). Along with eye redness and sensitivity to light, anterior uveitis brings blurred vision and dark, floating spots in the vision as well. Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis often present with anterior uveitis.
Another condition that affects the surrounding tissue next to the iris is Peripheral Uveitis (also called Pars Planitis). This inflammation impacts the tissue next to the iris that makes the fluid that nourishes the lens and cornea. It affects mostly young men and is sometimes associated with Crohn’s disease; some experts suggest Lyme disease as well.
Scleritis is an inflammation of the deeper tissue of the eye (sclera). It presents with extremely painful redness across the white portion of the eye. Blurred vision, light sensitivity, and watery eyes are also often present with this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus are two of the major autoimmune diseases that can affect the sclera. If not addressed, it can lead to vision loss, so it is important to get it checked out.
The cornea is another area of the eye that can become inflamed. This is called Keratitis and may cause a corneal ulcer. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome are just a few of the autoimmune culprits of this condition.
Optic Neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve. Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus are two of the more common autoimmune disorders that can affect the optic nerve. Patients with this condition typically have pain with eye movement, blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and aren’t able to see colors accurately.
Red eyes, caused by inflammation of the superficial sclera (white part of the eye) is usually benign and not painful. This condition is called Episcleritis and can be found in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Lupus, among many others.
And finally (for the purposes of this blog post), Exophthalmos is a condition where the eyes protrude or bulge outward, as is seen in autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease. It can cause double vision for some but permanent vision impairment is rare if caught early and treated.
Again, these are but a few of the conditions that can develop as a result of an autoimmune disease. Be sure to click on the various links to see in-depth research and explanations. Here are some additional resources:
- American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
- American Optometric Association
- American Family Physician
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
anterior uveitis autoimmune diseases Episcleritis exophthalmos Graves’ disease keratitis keratoconjunctivitis sicca optic neuritis peripheral uveitis scleritis
Features of ophthalmic pathology in autoimmune diseases | Lukashenko
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Vision problems and autoimmune disorders
People with autoimmune disorders should carefully monitor their vision.
An autoimmune disorder affects every system in the body, from the nerves and joints to the eyes. To date, more than 80 types of autoimmune disorders are known, but no one can accurately assess their impact on your vision. Every patient with an autoimmune disorder should be aware of how it affects vision. At the slightest disturbance of vision, such as “fog” before the eyes, blurring, pain in the eyes, dryness or photosensitivity, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Modern drugs are successfully used to treat eye diseases caused by autoimmune disorders.
See an ophthalmologist regularly for autoimmune disorders
The best prevention of eye diseases is regular visits to the ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists recommend that all people over the age of 40 get an eye exam (screening) if they haven’t done it before. Recommendations for patients with autoimmune diseases:
Get your eyes checked, even if you’re under 40. If you haven’t been to an ophthalmologist this year, make an appointment now.
Ask your doctor how often you need to have your eyes checked.
Get your eyes checked more often (every 6 months) if you have the first signs of eye disease.
See your eye doctor regularly if you are taking medications for autoimmune diseases.
Relationship between vision and autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders causing vision problems:
- Behçet’s disease. A rare autoimmune disorder that is the leading cause of blindness in the population in several developing countries. The disease affects the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and genitals.
- Lupus. One of the complications of lupus is inflammation of the eyes. Symptoms: “fog” before the eyes, headaches, inflamed eyes, dry eyes and photosensitivity.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis and visual function are so closely related that it is the ophthalmologist who may be the first to suspect that a patient is developing an autoimmune disorder. In the early stages of MS, patients often present with optic neuritis, which causes gradual or sudden loss of vision due to inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is a large nerve that leads to the back chamber of the eye.
- Psoriasis. Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) causes redness and pain in the eyes.
- Reiter’s syndrome. Reactive arthritis affects the joints and front of the eyes.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA causes dry eyes, protein inflammation, thinning of the cornea, and other painful visual disturbances.
- Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lacrimal glands and causes dry eyes.
- Diseases of the thyroid gland. Autoimmune disorders characterized by hyperfunction or dysfunction of the thyroid gland increase the risk of developing glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). Although there is currently no evidence to support a link between glaucoma and thyroid disease, it is believed that such diseases cause an increase in intraocular pressure, as they are accompanied by an increase in tissue around the eyes (as, for example, in Graves’ disease). With thyroid dysfunction, the circulation of fluid in the eyes is disturbed, which also leads to an increase in intraocular pressure.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Approximately 5% of patients present with “non-specific ocular inflammation”.
- Uveitis is an autoimmune disease that directly affects the pigment cells of the iris and, in some cases, the middle layers of the eye. Uveitis causes inflammation, which is characterized by redness of the eyes, a feeling of “fog” or “gnats” before the eyes. Uveitis may present on its own or be a symptom of another autoimmune disorder.
Eye health and treatment of autoimmune disorders
Some drugs for autoimmune disorders may have long-term adverse effects on the patient’s body.
Patients with autoimmune disorders tend to monitor their health closely and note any changes in their body.