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Systemic disease and the eyes

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

Medically reviewed by · Last reviewed 2026-07-06 · How review works

Diabetic retinopathy Diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels; screening finds silent disease, and macular swelling (DME) needs targeted treatment. Diabetic macular oedema Fluid swelling at the macula from diabetes; blurs central vision but is treatable when found early on screening. Thyroid eye disease Eye changes linked to thyroid problems, causing bulging, dryness and double vision; needs specialist care. Giant cell arteritis Inflammation of scalp arteries in older adults; headache, jaw pain and sudden vision loss are emergencies. Sjögren's syndrome and the eye An autoimmune condition that often causes severe dry eye and mouth; lifelong monitoring and tailored dry-eye care help. Papilloedema Swelling of the optic nerve from raised pressure around the brain; causes headaches and vision changes. Optic neuritis Inflammation of the optic nerve causing sudden vision loss or pain on eye movement; needs urgent assessment. Vitamin A deficiency and the eye Lack of vitamin A dries the eye surface and is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Leprosy and the eyes Leprosy can damage nerves that protect the eye surface, causing dryness, lagophthalmos and preventable corneal blindness. Lymphatic filariasis A mosquito-spread parasitic disease targeted by WHO; endemic in parts of Indonesia and tropical regions, with rare eye complications. Cysticercosis and the eye Tapeworm larvae can lodge in the eye in endemic areas; causes vision loss if untreated — a WHO neglected tropical disease. Ocular rosacea Eye irritation linked to the skin condition rosacea; manageable with eyelid care and treatment. Retinal artery occlusion Blocked 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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