What do you need to know?
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that, in addition to the skin, can also attack the eyes, causing inflammation and decreased vision.
- Objawy oczne obejmują zaczerwienienie, pieczenie, światłowstręt, suchość oczu oraz łuszczycowe zmiany wokół powiek.
- Psoriasis treatment (e.g. phototherapy, biologic drugs) can improve the eyes, but also irritate them - requiring ophthalmological follow-up.
- In the case of ocular symptoms with psoriasis, care from both a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist is necessary - untreated inflammation risks loss of vision.
Łuszczyca, choć znana przede wszystkim jako choroba skóry, może znacząco wpływać na zdrowie oczu. Ta przewlekła choroba autoimmunologiczna obejmuje nie tylko zmiany skórne, ale również stany zapalne w obrębie narządu wzroku, takie jak zapalenie spojówek, zapalenie rogówki czy zapalenie błony naczyniowej oka.
In severe forms of psoriasis, such as pustular psoriasis or generalised pustular psoriasis, the risk of ophthalmic problems increases. These symptoms may include blurred vision, redness of the eyes, itching or burning sensations and photophobia. In rare cases, inflammation of the eyelid margins or inflammation of the circular muscle of the eye may occur.
Psoriatic arthritis, which often accompanies psoriasis, further predisposes patients to uveitis. Untreated inflammation in the eyes can lead to serious complications such as loss of vision.
In the treatment of psoriasis, both the pharmacotherapy of psoriasis and topical treatments can affect ocular conditions. For example, some drugs used in severe forms of psoriasis, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, help to minimise ocular inflammation. Also, phototherapy, used for skin lesions, requires adequate UV protection for the eyes.
What is psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that manifests itself by skin lesions in the form of red, scaly patches. The disease is not limited to the skin - it can also affect the joints and the organ of vision.
One of the more serious complications is psoriatic arthritis, which increases the risk of uveitis. Symptoms include redness, pain and blurred vision. Often other ophthalmic problems also coexist, such as conjunctivitis or dry eye disease.
Treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the need for ocular monitoring. Therapies such as biologics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can support the treatment of inflammatory conditions, including uveitis.
Early recognition and treatment of psoriasis and associated ophthalmic problems is key to preventing complications and improving the patient's quality of life.1
Early symptoms of psoriasis
The first symptoms of psoriasis often appear on the skin as reddish patches with a scaly surface. Psoriatic lesions may be accompanied by itching and burning and, in more severe cases, skin cracking. However, the disease can involve not only the skin, but also mucous membranes and other areas such as the joints and the eye.
Visually, psoriasis can lead to problems such as conjunctivitis, uveitis and dry eye syndrome. These symptoms may include redness, burning sensation or photophobia. In rare cases, corneal or eyelid lesions may occur, further compromising patient comfort.
With psoriatic arthritis, which often co-occurs with psoriasis, the risk of ophthalmic problems increases significantly. A multidisciplinary approach, including both a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist, is recommended for treatment, allowing early detection and control of psoriatic lesions.2
Early recognition of psoriasis symptoms, especially those related to the visual system, is key to preventing complications and improving the patient's quality of life.
Where does psoriasis on the eyelids come from?
Psoriasis can manifest in various parts of the body, including the eyelids. Although it most commonly affects skin on the elbows, knees or back, psoriatic lesions can also appear in delicate areas such as the eyelids. In such cases, patients often complain of itching, burning and sometimes cracking of the eyelid skin, making daily functioning difficult.
Łuszczyca predysponuje również do rozwoju problemów okulistycznych, takich jak zespół suchego oka, który występuje znacznie częściej u osób z innymi chorobami autoimmunologicznymi. Objawy suchego oka mogą obejmować uczucie piasku pod powiekami, zaczerwienienie oraz hypersensitivity to light.
Phototherapy, used in the treatment of psoriasis, may require special care in protecting the eye area to avoid worsening of the eyelids. Exacerbations of the disease, especially in the delicate skin area around the eyes, are often triggered by external factors such as stress, infections or weather conditions.
An interdisciplinary approach, combining dermatology and ophthalmology, allows the effective management of psoriatic eyelid lesions and minimises their impact on the patient's daily life.
Skin lesions around the eyes
Skin lesions around the eyes, although less common in psoriasis, can significantly affect patients' daily functioning. Plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the disease, sometimes involves the delicate skin around the eyelids, causing redness, flaking and irritation. These symptoms are more common in people with advanced disease or coexisting metabolic syndrome.
Phototherapy, one of the treatments for psoriasis, can help to alleviate skin lesions, but requires protection of the visual system from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The duration of treatment and intensity of therapy should be individually tailored to minimise the risk of ocular complications.
The course of the disease and the severity of symptoms around the eyes can vary, depending on factors such as stress, infection or individual response to treatment. In such cases, a holistic approach that considers both dermatological treatment and ocular protection is crucial.
How do different psoriasis treatments affect the organ of vision?
Treatment of psoriasis, including psoriasis on the eyelids, can both help control symptoms and affect ocular health. Therapeutic approaches, such as pharmacotherapy, topical treatment and phototherapy, aim to alleviate skin symptoms and reduce inflammatory autoimmune reactions.
Phototherapy, which is effective for skin lesions, requires special eye protection. If used incorrectly, it can increase the risk of damage to the eyes, such as worsening dry eyes or irritation. Therefore, it is important to use special shields to protect against UV radiation.
An integrated approach is used to treat psoriasis on the eyelids, which often coexists with uveitis. It includes both dermatological and ophthalmological treatment to effectively manage eyelid problems and prevent ophthalmic complications.
Ważne pytania i odpowiedzi
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Yes, psoriasis on the eyelids can lead to more serious problems such as uveitis, conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome. It is therefore important that eyelid lesions are monitored by an ophthalmologist and treated accordingly.
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The most common complications are conjunctivitis, uveitis and dry eyes. In rare cases, corneal lesions or loss of vision may occur due to untreated inflammation.
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Some therapies used to treat psoriasis, such as phototherapy or immunosuppressants, can cause ocular side effects, such as increased dry eyes or sensitivity to light. Regular consultation with your doctor helps to minimise such risks.
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The skin lesions around the eyes associated with psoriasis are often scaly patches accompanied by itching and redness. If you are in doubt as to whether your symptoms are due to psoriasis, it is worth consulting a dermatologist and ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis.
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Yes, in some cases psoriasis may only manifest in tender areas of skin, such as the eyelids. Nevertheless, these lesions may signal a more advanced autoimmune disease, so it is always worth diagnosing and monitoring them carefully.
