Issue 8/2023
Shumnalieva1, R.,
Shumnalieva-Ivanova2, V., Kotov1,
G., Monov1, S.
1 Clinic of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, UMBAL “St. Ivan Rilski”,
Medical University -Sofia;
2 Private practice
The eye is an organ with unique structure and function, characterized by the presence of a blood-retinal barrier and the lack of lymphatics in the internal portion. Ocular involvement in the course of a rheumatic disease could be a distinct disease entity, including a marker for systemic inflammation, or a result of the treatment with anti-rheumatic drugs. Ophthalmic manifestations may be the first disease manifestation or could occur in the course of the inflammatory process, may be reversible or not-reversible thus a close collaboration between rheumatologists and ophthalmologists for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic patients with ocular involvement is required.
Key words: ophthalmic involvement, rheumatic disease, anti-rheumatic drugs
Address for correspondence:
Shumnalieva, R.
Clinic of Rheumatology, UMBAL “St. Ivan Rilski”
Medical University,
Department of Rheumatology
13, “Urvich” Str.
1612, Sofia