OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY

Background: Ocular manifestations in rheumatic diseases may result from the inflammatory process because of immune- mediated ocular inflammation which causes severe debilitation and visual loss. Therefore, by understanding the various ocular presentations of these systemic inflammatory diseases is vital to arrive expeditiously at the correct diagnosis and treatment plan with the goal of preserving visual function. Methods: A cross sectional study was done on patients over a period from June 2019 to March 2021. A total of 100 patients with rheumatic disease were investigated for any ocular manifestations after obtaining informed written consent. ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria was used for the diagnosis of Rheumatic Diseases. Ocular investigation for dry eye included Schirmer's test and Tear film breaks up time test (TBUT). Positivity for Immunological factors and their association to ocular manifestations statistically analysed. Results: The overall incidence of ocular manifestations of the rheumatic disease process in the study was 65%. Uveitis incidence was 35%, being the commonest ocular abnormality detected followed by KCS of 20%. The total number of cases with ANA positivity in Rheumatic disease is 20, those with ocular manifestations and ANA positivity is 16 out of 20 (80%). Six (50%) of the twelve patients with Keratoconjunctivitis sicca had high Rheumatoid factor titre values by slide agglutination or Anti Citrullinated peptide Antibody positive Conclusion: Therefore, following a multidisciplinary approach by ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, physicians, and paediatrician would help for an early intervention to preserve vision where possible.