Autoimmune Eye and Ear Disorders
1. Ophthalmologic manifestations are common in patients with rheumatologic disease and should be considered in any patient presenting with a red eye or other ocular symptoms.
2. Infectious causes are in the differential diagnosis of many common ophthalmologic conditions, and they are particularly important to keep in mind given the immune dysregulation and immunosuppression that is characteristic of patients with concurrent rheumatic illness.
3. The various causes of eye disease in the patient with rheumatologic disease can be difficult to distinguish, and urgent referral to an ophthalmologist is necessary for appropriate evaluation and assistance with management.
