Eye and Rheumatic Disease

ABSTRACT

Rheumatic disorders commonly affect the sclera, cornea, retina, and orbit. These disorders range from relatively mild ocular surface problems to a serious threat for the visual sight. The most common ocular manifestations of rheumatic diseases include keratoconjunctivitis sicca, anterior uveitis, and scleritis. The most common entities to causing anterior uveitis and scleritis are seronegative spondyloarthropathies associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively. Patients who developed bilateral or recurrent uveitis, or who have involvement of posterior ocular structures are more likely to have underlying systemic inflammatory diseases. The most significant side effects of the drugs used to treat rheumatic diseases are the maculopathy-associated with anti-malarial agents and cataracts and glaucoma associated with corticosteroid use. Close collaborations between ophthalmologists and rheumatologists are necessary for optimal treatments and the prevention of complications. Understanding the range and patterns of ocular manifestations of rheumatic diseases can provide valuable suggestions for the most suitable diagnosis and optimal management for these patients.