Condition library

Systemic disease and the eyes

Eye problems driven by whole-body disease, medicines, or conditions that need joint medical care.

Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review

About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

How review works · Official biography & credentials

Diabetic retinopathyDiabetes damages retinal vessels, often before you notice; screening finds treatable change — sudden floaters or vision loss are emergencies.Diabetic macular oedemaFluid swelling at the macula from diabetes; blurs central vision but is treatable when found early on screening.Thyroid eye diseaseEye changes linked to thyroid problems, causing bulging, dryness and double vision; needs specialist care.Giant cell arteritisInflammation of scalp arteries in older adults; headache, jaw pain and sudden vision loss are emergencies.Sjögren's syndrome and the eyeAn autoimmune condition that often causes severe dry eye and mouth; lifelong monitoring and tailored dry-eye care help.PapilloedemaSwelling of the optic nerve from raised pressure around the brain; causes headaches and vision changes.Optic neuritisInflammation of the optic nerve causing sudden vision loss or pain on eye movement; needs urgent assessment.Vitamin A deficiency and the eyeLack of vitamin A dries the eye surface and is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide.Leprosy and the eyesLeprosy can damage nerves that protect the eye surface, causing dryness, lagophthalmos and preventable corneal blindness.Lymphatic filariasisA mosquito-spread parasitic disease targeted by WHO; endemic in parts of Indonesia and tropical regions, with rare eye complications.Cysticercosis and the eyeTapeworm larvae can lodge in the eye in endemic areas; causes vision loss if untreated — a WHO neglected tropical disease.Ocular rosaceaEye irritation linked to the skin condition rosacea; manageable with eyelid care and treatment.Retinal artery occlusionBlocked retinal artery causing sudden painless vision loss; brief episodes (amaurosis fugax) are stroke warnings needing emergency assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Why do people with diabetes need retina checks?

Diabetic retinopathy can progress silently until it threatens sight. Screening finds treatable changes early.

Can rheumatology medicines affect the eyes?

Yes. Drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) need periodic eye screening. Always tell your eye clinician about regular medicines.

Which systemic symptoms with eye pain are emergencies?

Sudden vision loss, painful red eye with jaw claudication in older adults, or new double vision after stroke symptoms need urgent care.

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