Autoimmune eye diseases

Symptoms of autoimmune eye diseases

Many autoimmune diseases can affect the eyes. Depending on the type, they might affect different parts of the eye and can have unique symptoms – it's not always obvious that they're being caused by an immune disorder. This is why it's important to get any changes in your eyes seen by a specialist. 

We've listed some of the common autoimmune disease eye symptoms below. But be aware that not everyone gets all these symptoms.

• Inflamed conjunctiva – The conjunctiva is a clear layer covering the whites of your eyes. If the conjunctiva is inflamed, more blood goes to the area, causing 'pink eye'.

• Keratitis – This is when the cornea, the clear window that covers your iris and pupil, gets inflamed. 

• Watery eyes – Your eyes might be more watery than usual.

• Vision changes – Conditions like diabetes, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus and Behçet’s disease can cause blurry or double vision, floaters, flashes or even sight loss. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy.

• Red eye – Some immune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s and Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause keratoconjunctivitis, making eyes and eyelids red or bloodshot.

• Eye swelling – During an immune disorder flare‑up, conditions like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can make your eyes and eyelids swell.

• Dry eyes – Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, coeliac disease, Guillain‑Barré syndrome, Graves’ disease and psoriasis can affect your tears, making your eyes feel very dry. Learn more about dry eye syndrome.

• Eye pain – Immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis can cause uveitis, which leads to a painful eye that’s sensitive to light. Multiple sclerosis eye symptoms can also include a painful ache in the eye when you look around.

• Light sensitivity – Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and dermatomyositis can make bright light uncomfortable for your eyes.

• Other symptoms – Eye problems can be the first sign of an immune disorder, like early eye inflammation in multiple sclerosis. Many people also get tiredness, joint pain, skin rashes, fevers and more.

Treatment of autoimmune eye diseases

If you're diagnosed with an autoimmune disease affecting your eyes, your GP or the specialist you speak to will create a treatment plan. Your doctor will guide you through the common medical treatments – we've provided examples of these below. Be aware that different immune diseases often have very specialised treatments, so this isn't a complete list.

Common medical treatments

• Anti‑inflammatories and corticosteroids – These medications can reduce your immune system's inflammatory response. They can make flare‑ups less uncomfortable.

• Immunosuppressants – These are powerful drugs that really slow your immune system down. They can help with managing flare‑ups. But they can have unpleasant side effects.

• Surgery – If an immune disorder causes problems like cataracts or glaucoma from uveitis, surgery may be needed.

• Dietary change – Sometimes, your rheumatologist may refer you to a nutritionist for dietary advice. Making some changes to your diet can potentially help with treating some kinds of autoimmune diseases. 

Home remedies and self‑care for autoimmune eye inflammation 

Depending on your symptoms and your doctor's recommendations, some of the following self‑care and home remedies can help with flare‑ups of autoimmune diseases affecting the eyes:

• Sunglasses – If your eyes feel especially sensitive to light when you have a flare‑up, wearing sunglasses can help, particularly when spending time outdoors.

• Artificial tears – Lubricating eye drops can ease dryness, discomfort and scratchiness during an autoimmune flare‑up.

• Humidifiers – Again, if you have dry eyes, it can be helpful to use a humidifier. These devices release moisture into the air in your home. That means tears don't evaporate as quickly from your eyes.

• Lifestyle choices – Good sleep, stress management, less alcohol and not smoking can help reduce flare‑ups and discomfort.

• Regular eye tests – By having your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist, they'll be able to spot any changes in your eyes and give you advice on how to relieve many kinds of discomfort.