Ocular manifestations of systemic disease

Many systemic diseases have symptoms or manifestations related to the eye or visual system. Diabetes, for example, is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in those aged 20-74, with ocular manifestations such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema affecting up to 80% of those who have had the disease for 15 years or more. Despite these intimidating statistics, research indicates that at least 90% of these new cases could be reduced if there was proper and vigilant treatment and monitoring of the eyes.

Other diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hypertension (hypertensive retinopathy) also have associated ocular symptoms.

Some systemic diseases or disorders with ocular manifestations:

• Hypertension
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Acquired Syphilis
• Congenital Syphilis
• Lyme Disease
• Chicken Pox
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Albinism
• Pregnancy
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (Erythema Multiforme Major)
• Vitamin A Deficiency
• Neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's Syndrome)
• Sturge-Weber Syndrome (Encephalofacial Cavernous Hemangiomatosis)
• von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (Retinocerebellar Capillary Hemangiomatosis)
• Wyburn-Mason Syndrome (Racemose Hemangiomatosis)
• Ataxia Telangiectasia (Louis-Bar Syndrome)