Why is a general understanding of the structures of the eye important to the field of rheumatology

Why is a general understanding of the structures of the eye important to the field of rheumatology?

Systemic rheumatologic disease can affect ocular structures through inflammatory mechanisms (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis [RA], granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA], giant cell arteritis [GCA], and sarcoidosis among others), thrombotic disease (antiphospholipid antibody syndrome [APS]), and dryness (Sjögren’s syndrome [SS]. In some patients, the onset of inflammatory ocular disease (e.g., uveitis, scleritis) may represent the first manifestation of a systemic illness, requiring a rheumatologist to set forth a rational, targeted evaluation. Finally, some cases of idiopathic autoimmune eye disease require disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biologic therapy, which a rheumatologist may be called upon to help manage.

A rheumatologist who is knowledgeable about ocular anatomy and inflammatory conditions affecting the various structures of the eye will be better equipped to recognize disease, perform appropriate evaluations, and communicate with partners in ophthalmology. In this chapter, we will describe the relationship between various ocular structures and rheumatic disease.

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