If you’re living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, there’s something important you might not know: There’s a link between these conditions and an eye problem called uveitis. Let’s discuss what that means and why it matters.
So, what is uveitis?
Uveitis is inflammation inside your eye. It can show up as:
- Redness or pain in one or both eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eyes that are very sensitive to light
It’s not just annoying, if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage. The good news is that uveitis is treatable, especially if caught early.
What is the connection?
Research shows that people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis are more likely to develop uveitis, with studies estimating the incidence between 7% and 20% in psoriasis cases. One large study from Taiwan even found that people who had uveitis were more likely to develop psoriatic disease later on.
Dr. Emily Carter, a consultant rheumatologist, explains:
“We’ve known for a while that inflammation can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. These studies are helping us understand just how closely these conditions are linked.”
If you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, it’s important to monitor your eye health. Some treatments that help with skin and joint symptoms may also help the eyes. For example, biological medicines like secukinumab and bimekizumab are showing promising results in treating people with both psoriatic conditions and uveitis.
What should you do?
If you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis:
- Pay attention to any eye changes
- Talk to your healtcare provider if something doesn’t feel right
- Keep up with regular check-ups
Catching uveitis early can make a big difference. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis affect more than just your skin and joints so it’s important to look after your whole body, eyes included.
Conclusion
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are more than skin and joint conditions, they can also increase your risk for serious eye problems like uveitis. Because uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated, regular eye checks and prompt attention to any changes in vision are essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications, so if you notice any eye discomfort, redness, or vision changes, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Taking care of your eye health is a vital part of managing psoriatic disease.
References:
Chen YY, Chen HH, Lo TC, Chou P. The risk of psoriasis in patients with uveitis: A nationwide population-based cohort study. PLoS One. 2021 Aug 2;16(8):e0255492. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255492. PMID: 34339476; PMCID: PMC8328291.
Lu J, Tang S, Yu N, Yi X, Li Y. Successful secukinumab treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis concomitant with severe noninfectious uveitis: a case report. Journal of International Medical Research. 2020;48(11). doi:10.1177/0300060520969494