Our immune system is responsible for protecting our bodies against virus, bacteria and free radicals attack. These attackers are called Antigens.

It produces antibodies and cell receptors to prevent allergy, disease and infections.

When our immune system is compromised, insufficient cell receptors or antibodies are produced. When this occurs, it then leads to autoimmune disease.

If the immune system becomes inefficient in responding to an antigen, this is known as immunodeficiency. The most well known is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

The autoimmune conditions which affects our eyes are:

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Inflammation of joints caused by autoimmune connective tissue disorder.

Ankylosing Spondylitis – Inflammation of the Sacroiliac Joint.

Reiters Disease – Commonly seen in young males. Arthritis in just a few joints.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis – Commonly seen in females. A complex disease affecting immune tissues and blood vessels.

Sarcoidosis – Disease of immune system with unknown cause. Affects lymph nodes and lungs.

Myasthenia Gravis – Weakness in skeletal muscles caused by extreme temperature changes.

Sjögrens Syndrome – dryness of mouth and eyes. Often associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Affects of Rheumatoid Arthritis on our eyes are:

~ Dry eyes, tearfilm disorder. ‘Click here’ to read article on Dry eyes.

~ Episcleritis – inflammation on the ‘white’ of the eye.

~ Scleritis – severe inflammation of the whole eye. Eye is painful and red.

Affects of Ankylosing Spondylitis, Reiters Disease and Sarcoidosis on our eyes are:

~Uveitis – Inflammation of the middle part of the eye.

Affects of Systemic Lupus Erythematosis on our eyes are:

~ Dry Eyes

~  Scleritis

~ Optic Neuropathy – disease of the Optic Nerve

~ Eye discomfort

~ Light sensitivity

~ Blurry vision

Affects of Myasthenia Gravis on our eyes are:

~ Ptosis – drooping of upper eyelid muscle

~ Double Vision

Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Gold salt injections, Steroid injections, Asprin, Painkillers including Ibuprofen, Voltarol & Naproxen.

Ankylosing Spondylitis – Exercise with Regular Physiotherapy to maintain full mobility. Painkillers taken when needed.

Reiters Disease – No treatment, normally resolves within 6 months.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis  – Steroid Therapy.

Sarcoidosis – Steroid Therapy.

Myasthenia Gravis – Enzyme Inhibitors.

Sjögrens Syndrome – Ocular Lubricants.

If you have any questions please get in touch.