Your immune system, your body’s defense mechanism against infections, can sometimes misfire, attacking healthy cells and causing autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, the eyes are not spared from this assault. Learn about the ways in which autoimmune diseases can affect vision, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preserving eye health.*

Autoimmune diseases that affect vision

Certain autoimmune diseases are more likely to target the eyes, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications. 

• Ankylosing spondylitis. This condition, primarily known for spinal inflammation, can also trigger severe eye inflammation, potentially leading to glaucoma and vision impairment.
• Graves’ disease. Afflicting the thyroid gland, Graves’ disease induces inflammation in the eye muscles, resulting in swelling, double vision, and dry eyes, sometimes leading to vision loss.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Initially causing joint inflammation in youngsters, this condition can progress to inflaming the eyes, causing dryness, pain, and light sensitivity, which can worsen without proper treatment.
• Multiple sclerosis. Beyond its effects on mobility, multiple sclerosis can cause pain during eye movement and optic nerve inflammation, resulting in temporary or permanent vision loss.
• Psoriasis. Alongside skin issues, psoriasis sufferers may develop arthritis and uveitis, characterized by eye redness and swelling.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Joint inflammation in RA patients often accompanies dry eyes and corneal thinning.
• Sjogren’s syndrome. Chronic inflammation of tear glands leads to severe dry eyes and potential corneal perforations.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus’s impact extends to the eyes, causing severe inflammation in blood vessels and increasing the risk of eye strokes.
• Rare autoimmune diseases. Conditions like Behcet’s disease and Wegener’s granulomatosis pose similar risks due to blood vessel inflammation.

Treatment strategies for autoimmune vision problems

Managing inflammation in the eyes typically begins with corticosteroids, administered via drops, pills, or injections. Immunosuppressive drugs and biological therapies offer alternative options for reducing inflammation and preserving vision, with newer treatments showing promising results in restoring eyesight.

When to seek eye care for autoimmune diseases

Early intervention is crucial. Anyone diagnosed with an autoimmune disease should undergo regular eye examinations, especially if experiencing symptoms like blurry vision, dry eyes, or eye pain. If you are already living with an eye condition, an autoimmune disease can further compound or complicate your existing symptoms.

Prompt attention to vision changes can aid in early detection of underlying autoimmune conditions, allowing for timely intervention and collaboration between ophthalmologists and rheumatologists to devise personalized treatment plans and mitigate the risk of vision loss.

*Henry Ford Health Staff. (2023, November 8). How Autoimmune Diseases Can Cause Vision Problems. Henry Ford Health. https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/11/autoimmune-diseases-and-vision-problems 

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