Ocular manifestations of Relapsing Polychondritis
Virtually every structure of the eye and surrounding tissues can be affected. Episcleritis and scleritis (including necrotizing scleritis, which can herald a systemic vasculitis) are the most common ocular manifestations occurring in 40% to 50% patients.
Additional manifestations include lid edema, orbital inflammatory disease, conjunctivitis, uveitis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, retinal vasculitis, and optic neuritis.
Complications due to the disease and/or therapy may include cataracts, proptosis, corneal ulcerations and thinning, and extraocular muscle palsies.
