An estimated 50 million people in the United States have autoimmune diseases, making it a growing concern that is affecting health throughout the country. Many of these patients don’t realize that their autoimmune condition could be impacting their eyes. But, similar to the way that autoimmune diseases attack organs and joints, the reality is that the eyes could also be at risk.
If you have an autoimmune condition, then it’s essential to share this information with your eye doctor. The best way to protect your vision is by focusing on overall health and wellness.
One of the challenges of living with an autoimmune condition is the systemic inflammation that is present throughout your body. Not only are you experiencing autoimmune symptoms that might impact your mobility, but this inflammation can also impact your eyes at the same time.
Each patient is unique, and the effects depend on the type of autoimmune condition that you have. Here are a few specific examples:
Managing your autoimmune condition is essential to minimize the impact on your eyes. Also, you might find that you experience vision changes when your autoimmune doctor is adjusting your medications.
The best thing that you can do if you are living with an autoimmune condition is to make sure that you are coordinating care. All of your specialists (including your autoimmune doctor and your eye doctor) need to know as much information as possible about your condition.
You can help by tracking your patterns. Notice when the symptoms flare and how your eyes are impacted. Keep a journal that can be referenced if needed.
Also, make sure to seek immediate care if you notice any big changes in your vision. Sudden vision loss, eye pain that coincides with a headache, or seeing halos around lights could all be indicators that you need to see an eye expert right away.
When you are proactive about medical care and eye appointments, it’s possible to catch potential issues in the earliest stages. This early detection is key to optimizing your overall health because it’s easier to treat the symptoms before the conditions progress into bigger issues.
If you have questions about protecting your eye health, then our team is always just a phone call away. Contact us at Temecula Creek Optometry for a consultation: (951) 302 -1331.