Autoimmune diseases can affect more than just your body’s organs, joints, and skin. They can also have a significant impact on your vision. While some of the conditions are well known for their effects on the eyes, others may come as a surprise. Let’s take a look at some of the autoimmune disorders that can affect vision and what you need to know about them.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases linked to eye problems. Approximately 50% of people with MS experience vision issues such as double vision or blurred vision. In some cases, these symptoms are the first sign that someone has MS. Eye doctors are often able to recognize signs of MS before other medical professionals, which is why it’s important to get regular eye exams if you have been diagnosed with this condition.
Psoriasis is another autoimmune disease that can affect your eyesight. While psoriasis is typically associated with scaly skin lesions, it can also lead to inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva, and uvea—the three layers that make up the eye’s surface and interior structures. If left untreated, this inflammation can cause dryness in the eyes, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or even blindness in extreme cases.
Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can also increase the risk of glaucoma—a chronic degenerative condition that damages the optic nerve over time. The connection between thyroid disorders and glaucoma is not yet fully understood but research has shown that those with an underactive thyroid are 2-3 times more likely to develop glaucoma than those without an underactive thyroid disorder.
Lupus is another autoimmune disease that affects many parts of the body including joints, organs, and skin—and in rare cases it can also cause inflammation inside the eyes leading to blurred vision or pain behind the eyes. Additionally, those with lupus have a higher chance of developing cataracts earlier than average due to inflammation caused by their medications or their underlying disease itself.
Type 1 diabetes increases a person’s risk for retinopathy—an eye condition where abnormal blood vessels form on your retina leading to decreased vision or even blindness if left untreated for too long. Furthermore damage caused by diabetes increases your risk for developing cataracts earlier than usual as well as glaucoma later in life if your glucose levels are not properly regulated over time .
Autoimmune diseases cover a wide range of conditions from psoriasis and lupus to multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes – all of which have potential effects on our ability to see clearly without any distortion or impairment. It's important for those suffering from any kind of autoimmune diseases to visit their ophthalmologist regularly so they can detect any early signs of eye problems such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, or dryness before they become more severe. With regular check-ups, we are better equipped to protect our vision while managing our autoimmune conditions effectively .