What autoimmune diseases cause eye inflammation
What autoimmune diseases cause eye inflammation Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. When this misdirected immune response affects the eyes, it can cause a range of inflammatory conditions that may impair vision and quality of life. Several autoimmune disorders are known to cause eye inflammation, often presenting as conjunctivitis, uveitis, scleritis, or episcleritis, each with distinct characteristics and implications.
One of the most common autoimmune diseases associated with eye inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While primarily affecting joints, RA can also involve the eyes, leading to scleritis—which manifests as painful, redness, and inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. Scleritis can threaten vision if not diagnosed and treated promptly. RA-related eye issues may also include keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a severe dry eye condition resulting from autoimmune attack on the lacrimal glands.
Another significant autoimmune condition linked to ocular inflammation is Behçet’s disease. This rare disorder causes systemic vasculitis, affecting blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. Ocular involvement in Behçet’s often presents as recurrent uveitis, which involves inflammation of the uveal tract—comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Uveitis can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, and vision disturbances. If untreated, it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or even blindness.
Vasculitides like granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis) are also known to cause eye inflammation. This condition involves inflammation of blood vessels and can affect the orbit, causing orbital cellulitis, or the eyes themselves, leading to scleritis or conjunctivitis. Such inflammation may be accompanied by other systemic symptoms like sinusitis, nasal ulcers, and kidney involvement.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is another autoimmune disease that can involve the eyes. Although more commonly associated with dry eyes and retinal vasculitis—an inflammation of the small blood vessels in the retina—SLE can also cause optic neuritis, characterized b
y inflammation of the optic nerve, leading to visual loss. The eye manifestations of SLE often reflect the systemic nature of the disease, necessitating coordinated treatment approaches.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), primarily a neurological autoimmune disorder, can also cause optic neuritis. This inflammation of the optic nerve results in painful visual loss, often occurring as an early symptom of MS. While MS is not classified strictly as an autoimmune disease targeting the eye, the immune-mediated attack on nerve tissue makes it relevant in discussions of autoimmune-related eye inflammation.
Other autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome can cause severe dry eyes and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the corneal surface. Similarly, sarcoidosis, characterized by granulomatous inflammation, can involve the eyes, leading to uveitis, conjunctivitis, or orbital masses.
In summary, autoimmune diseases encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that can cause eye inflammation, often requiring early diagnosis and targeted treatment to prevent vision loss. Understanding these relationships helps clinicians manage symptoms effectively and improve patient outcomes.
