Inflammatory eye disease for rheumatologists.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Rheumatology
• Ocular inflammation and systemic disease
• Multidisciplinary patient care

Background:

• Inflammatory eye diseases present diagnostic and management challenges for rheumatologists.
• Conditions discussed include uveitis, scleritis, episcleritis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, and orbital inflammation.
• Heterogeneity and rarity of these diseases complicate research and treatment standardization.

Approach:

• Provides a framework for diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management strategies.
• Discusses current therapeutic mainstays: glucocorticoids, mycophenolate, methotrexate, and TNF inhibitors.
• Highlights the need for a collaborative approach between rheumatologists and ocular inflammation specialists.

Key Points:

• Multidisciplinary care is essential for optimal outcomes in inflammatory eye disease.
• Understanding disease specifics (phenotypes and endotypes) is crucial for research and clinical practice.
• Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are vital for vision preservation.

Conclusions:

• This review aims to enhance rheumatologists' ability to co-manage patients with ocular inflammation.
• Facilitates the development of improved approaches to inflammatory eye diseases.
• Emphasizes the importance of specialized care for preserving vision in affected patients.