Rheumatic Diseases and Glaucoma: A Study of 5.7 Million People

A meta-analysis published in International Ophthalmology, covering 5.7 million people, found that people with rheumatic diseases have a higher risk of glaucoma. The authors suggest these patients may benefit from regular eye surveillance.

Which conditions are rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting joints and connective tissue.

Why the link?

Several factors may contribute:

• Inflammation: chronic inflammation can affect the eye’s drainage system and blood flow to the optic nerve.
• Steroids: many patients use corticosteroids, which can raise eye pressure.
• Uveitis: some rheumatic conditions cause inflammation inside the eye, a known glaucoma risk.

What to do if you have a rheumatic disease

• Have a baseline comprehensive eye exam, including eye pressure and optic nerve imaging.
• Follow up as often as your eye doctor recommends, especially if you take steroids.
• Tell your eye doctor about all your medications.
• Report eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision promptly.

Glaucoma is silent

Glaucoma usually causes no symptoms until significant vision is lost. The good news is that early detection and treatment can preserve sight for life.

Khanna Vision Institute

Khanna Vision Institute provides glaucoma screening and management. We serve patients from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks, and work with their rheumatologists when needed.

More eye-health articles at Agoura Hills Lasik.

Source: Association between rheumatic diseases and glaucoma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5.7 million individuals (Int Ophthalmol (PubMed), 10/22/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.