22/05/2018
Rheumatic diseases and their effect on the eyes.
Rheumatic disorders commonly affect the sclera, cornea, retina and the orbit. These disorders range from relatively mild ocular surface problems to the serious threat for the visual sight.
The most common ocular manifestations of rheumatic diseases include keratoconjunctivitis sicca, anterior uveitis and scleritis.
Patients who develop 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.
Sjogren's syndrome is another condition that is an ocular manifestation of the rheumatic diseases.
When you have Sjogren's syndrome, your eyes, mouth, and other parts of your body get dried out. There are treatments that bring relief, though.
Sjogren's causes your immune system to go haywire and attack healthy cells instead of invading bacteria or viruses. Conditions like this are called autoimmune diseases. Your white blood cells, which normally protect you from germs, attack the glands that are in charge of making moisture. When that happens, they can't produce tears and saliva.
Dry eyes and dry mouth are the most common symptoms. You can sometimes get problems in other parts of your body, such as swollen glands around your face and neck, dry skin or nasal passages, or painful and stiff joints.
About half of people with Sjogren's also have another autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Dry eyes. Your eyes may also burn, itch, or feel gritty. It doesn't always happen, but you could get infections around your eyes. It can harm your cornea, which is your eye's clear, outer layer.
Sjogren's can sometimes affect other parts of your body. You can have dryness in your throat, nose, lips, or skin. The glands in your neck and face might swell up. Women may get dryness in their va**na.
Some people also get swelling, pain, and stiffness in their joints. This can happen even if you don't also have rheumatoid arthritis, which has those same symptoms.
If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above or if you are suspecting a rheumatic disease then we strongly advise you to consult with a specialist immediately.
We are located at 1047 Broads Rd, Lusaka.
Please call +260977788778 for enquiries
GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON A CONSULTATION BY AN EYE SPECIALIST by mentioning that you are coming through an ad from our page Clear Vision Clinic.