When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system is overactive and, instead of just attacking the harmful things in your body, it also attacks your healthy cells. As you can imagine, this is not a good thing. By visiting an eye clinic near you regularly, you can ensure that your optometrist provides the information and treatment you need to maintain healthy eyes and clear vision. If you have concerns about eye health conditions, contact Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC. Let’s look at some common autoimmune diseases that affect the eyes.

Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the glands in the body that produce moisture. For those who wear contacts, this can be particularly challenging. Contacts require that your eyes be moist, and you can help this by applying artificial tears to your eyes and choosing daily wear contact lenses. Sjögren's Syndrome can lead to severe dry eye, making it uncomfortable and difficult to wear contact lenses without proper management.

Graves' Disease

Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid, causing it to overproduce the thyroid hormone. Graves' Disease causes Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), which is where the issues with the eyes come in. TED can make your eyes red, gritty, sensitive to light, watery, and bulging. In severe cases, it can lead to double vision and vision loss. Managing Graves' Disease and monitoring eye health is crucial to prevent these serious complications.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects the pancreas and limits the body's ability to produce insulin. Diabetes can also affect the retina in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This is a very serious condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment is essential, making regular eye exams especially important for people with Type 1 Diabetes. Proper management can prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Multiple Sclerosis

One of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) is optic neuritis, which is an inflammation of the optic nerve. This can cause eye pain, blurry vision, and colors that appear washed out. You can also experience double vision, involuntary eye movements, and eyes that just don't move the way they are supposed to. Regular eye exams can help detect these symptoms early and manage them effectively.

Lupus

Lupus can cause skin irritation around the eyes, making them burn or itchy. Lupus can also cause dry eyes. In some cases, the inflammation associated with Lupus causes retinal vasculitis, which is inflammation in the blood vessels of the eye. This can lead to serious issues and even blindness if not properly managed. Regular check-ups and treatment adjustments are vital to protect your vision.

Contact Our Optometrist in Columbia, SC

When you are looking for an eye clinic near you, Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates offers the diagnosis and treatment you require. To make an appointment, give our office a call at (803) 254-6306. Regular visits to an experienced optometrist can help you manage the eye-related symptoms of autoimmune diseases effectively, ensuring better overall eye health.