Ocular Manifestations of Spondyloarthritis

Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2023 Mar 31;34(1):24-29. doi: 10.31138/mjr.34.1.24. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular manifestations are seen in several autoimmune disorders including spondyloarthritis (SpAs). Though acute anterior uveitis (AAU) is the hallmark of SpAs, episcleritis and scleritis are also seen. Genetic and geographical factors impact the prevalence of AAU; however, available evidence support that HLA-B27 positivity is closely associated with it.

Objective: The current narrative review is focused on clinical features of AAU and its management.

Methods: For the purpose of this narrative review; literature search covered MEDLINE, Google scholar and EMBASE databases and included articles published in English language from January 1980 till April 2022 using the following keywords: "Ankylosing spondylitis", "Spondyloarthritis", "Eye manifestations", "Ocular", "Uveitis" and "Arthritis".

Conclusion: Patients with SpA may suffer from different ocular complications with uveitis being the most common one. Biological therapy is a promising medical strategy enabling in achieving therapeutic goals with minimal adverse effects. An effective management strategy for patients with AAU associated with SpA could be formulated by the collaboration between ophthalmologists and rheumatologists.

Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis; arthritis; eye manifestations; ocular; spondyloarthritis; uveitis.

Publication types

  • Review