Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. These diseases can affect various organs, including the eyes.

Eye manifestations of autoimmune diseases can range from mild symptoms to severe complications that can lead to vision loss. Here are some of the most common autoimmune diseases that can affect the eyes:.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. About 25 percent of people with RA develop eye complications.

These complications can include dry eyes, scleritis (inflammation of the sclera), and uveitis (inflammation of the uveal tract). Uveitis can lead to serious complications, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. About one-third of people with lupus develop eye complications.

These can include dry eyes, scleritis, uveitis, and retinal vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels in the retina). Retinal vasculitis can cause blurred vision, floaters, and vision loss.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the glands that produce tears and saliva. About 50 percent of people with Sjögren’s syndrome develop eye complications. These can include dry eyes, scleritis, and uveitis.

Dry eyes can cause irritation, burning, and redness, and can lead to corneal damage and vision loss.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. About one-third of people with MS develop eye complications. These can include optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve, and uveitis.

Optic neuritis can cause blurred vision, blind spots, and vision loss.

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. About 10 percent of people with Graves’ disease develop eye complications. These can include orbitopathy, which is inflammation of the tissues around the eye.

Orbitopathy can cause bulging eyes, double vision, and vision loss.

Behçet’s Disease

Behçet’s disease is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Eye complications are common in people with Behçet’s disease.

These can include uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and ocular neovascularization (growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye). Ocular neovascularization can cause vision loss.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can also affect the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis. Eye complications are rare in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they can occur.

These can include uveitis, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes hardening and thickening of the skin and connective tissues. Eye complications are rare in people with scleroderma, but they can occur. These can include dry eyes, scleritis, and uveitis.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a type of arthritis that occurs in children. Eye complications are common in children with JIA, especially those with the systemic subtype.

These can include uveitis, which can lead to serious complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss.

Conclusion

Eye manifestations of autoimmune diseases can range from mild symptoms to severe complications that can lead to vision loss.

It’s important for people with autoimmune diseases to have regular eye exams and to report any changes in vision or eye symptoms to their healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can help prevent serious complications and preserve vision.