Anterior segment eye diseases associated with rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases are associated various extra-articular manifestations, such as eye, nerve, pericardium, and pleura. The anterior part of the eye has distinguished anatomic structure resembling synovial joints, thus it is a common site of ocular manifestation in rheumatic disease. These changes include sicca syndrome, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, episcleritis, scleritis, and iritis. Some of these findings may be the clues for the diagnosis of the rheumatic diseases, and some ocular manifestations may represent the activity or prognosis of the rheumatic diseases. These ocular complications may leads to severe visual loss. It is crucial to rule out underlying systemic diagnosis in rheumatic disease associated ocular diseases, and when diagnosed, the coordination of the rheumatologist with the ophthalmologist in the treatment is imperative.