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Rheumatologic disease and associated ocular manifestations
1Optometry Section, Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, Wilmington, DE 19805.
Background:
Ocular involvement is a common manifestation of rheumatic disease. Recognition of associated systemic findings strengthens our diagnostic armamentarium.
Methods:
The previous ophthalmic and medical literature was reviewed and synthesized into a focused review of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa; the seronegative spondyloarthropathies, including ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Results:
New and improved diagnostic and therapeutic measures have added a great deal to our understanding of the ocular manifestations of rheumatologic disease and the systemic management of rheumatologic disease.
Conclusions:
Optometry can fill an important role in the health care of patients with rheumatologic disease. Regular optometric care and coordination with the patient's rheumatologist can significantly benefit the patient's care.