What are the autoimmune diseases that can affect the eyes? What are the common symptoms and risk factors of these conditions? Find out in this comprehensive guide.

Autoimmune Diseases Linked to Vision Health

Autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. Some of the autoimmune diseases that can heavily impact vision health include:

Behçet Disease

Behçet disease is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by ocular lesions, skin lesions, and genital ulcers. It can affect both the anterior and posterior portions of the eye, and is a leading cause of blindness in some parts of the world.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, can cause swelling of the tissues in the digestive tract. The main eye-related problem that can occur is episcleritis, a common and benign cause of red eye.

Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to swelling of the eye lens, which can cause blurred vision if blood sugar levels change from low to normal too quickly. 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

Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. This usually occurs in one eye and can cause blurred vision, loss of color vision, and pain with eye movement.

Psoriasis

Some types of psoriasis, a common chronic skin disease, 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

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, can cause dryness of the sclera, which, if left untreated, can damage the cornea, the clear surface that helps the eye focus.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome, a disorder of the immune system, is identified by its two most common symptoms: dry eyes and a dry mouth. The decrease in tear production can cause the eyes to feel extremely dry, itchy, or burning.

Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid diseases, a group of autoimmune diseases that result in high or low thyroid function, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that causes high pressure inside the eye. Graves’ disease, for instance, can cause tissues to build up around the eye and increase pressure, while low-thyroid disorders can cause pressure to build up because the eye is not able to effectively circulate its fluids.

Uveitis

Uveitis 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 them than others. Risk factors that increase the chances of developing autoimmune diseases include:

Genetics

Certain autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis tend to run in families, meaning that certain genes make some people more likely to develop them.

Weight

Obesity increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, possibly due to heavier weight putting significant strain on the joints or fat tissues producing substances that encourage inflammation.

Smoking

Research has 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.

Autoimmune Eye Conditions: Symptoms and Management

The symptoms of autoimmune eye conditions can vary depending on the specific disease, but common symptoms include eye redness, pain, blurred vision, and dryness. Proper management of these conditions often requires a combination of treatments, including medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring by an eye specialist.

Preventing Autoimmune Eye Diseases

While it’s not always possible to prevent autoimmune eye diseases, there are some steps individuals can take to reduce their risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and getting regular eye exams to detect any issues early on.

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of autoimmune eye conditions are crucial for preserving vision and preventing further complications. If you experience any persistent eye-related symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention from an eye specialist as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases can have a significant impact on vision health, affecting various parts of the eye. By understanding the common autoimmune eye conditions, their symptoms, and risk factors, individuals can be better prepared to recognize and manage these conditions with the help of a healthcare provider.