Psoriasis and Its Impact on Eye Health: Why Regular Ophthalmologist Visits Matter

August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While psoriasis is often associated with red, scaly patches on the skin, its effects can extend beyond the skin to other parts of the body, including the eyes. Understanding the connection between psoriasis and eye health is crucial, as early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, causing thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The disease can be unpredictable, with periods of flare-ups followed by remission.

While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Triggers such as stress, infections, or injury to the skin can cause the condition to worsen. In addition to skin symptoms, psoriasis can also affect the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

How Psoriasis Affects the Eyes

Although psoriasis is primarily a skin condition, it can also have significant effects on the eyes. Eye-related complications of psoriasis are often overlooked but can lead to serious problems if not properly managed. Some of the most common eye conditions associated with psoriasis include:

  1. Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Uveitis can cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss.
  2. Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer that covers the white part of the eye. It can cause redness, itching, and discharge from the eye. While conjunctivitis is usually mild, chronic inflammation in people with psoriasis can increase the risk of complications.
  3. Dry Eye Syndrome: People with psoriasis are more prone to dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to irritation, a gritty sensation in the eyes, and blurred vision.
  4. Blepharitis: This is the inflammation of the eyelids, which can cause redness, swelling, and crusting at the base of the eyelashes. Blepharitis is often associated with dry eye syndrome and can be a recurring issue for those with psoriasis.

The Importance of Regular Ophthalmologist Visits

For individuals with psoriasis, regular visits to an ophthalmologist are essential for maintaining good eye health. Since psoriasis can cause eye inflammation and other related issues, early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage. Here are some reasons why seeing an eye specialist regularly is beneficial:

  1. Early Detection of Complications: Many eye conditions associated with psoriasis may not show symptoms in the early stages. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues before they progress to more severe stages.
  2. Preventing Vision Loss: Conditions like uveitis and severe dry eye syndrome can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. An ophthalmologist can monitor your eye health and provide timely interventions to preserve your vision.
  3. Customized Treatment Plans: Psoriasis affects everyone differently, and an ophthalmologist can tailor a treatment plan to address your specific needs. This may include prescription eye drops, medications, or other therapies to manage inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
  4. Managing Overall Health: Psoriasis is a systemic condition, meaning it can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. Regular check-ups with both your dermatologist and ophthalmologist ensure a comprehensive approach to managing the disease and its potential complications.

As we observe National Psoriasis Awareness Month this August, it’s important to recognize the broader impacts of psoriasis, including its effects on eye health. If you or a loved one has psoriasis, taking proactive steps to protect your vision through regular ophthalmologist visits can make a significant difference in your quality of life. By staying informed and vigilant, you can manage psoriasis more effectively and prevent potential complications from affecting your eyes.

If needing an eye appointment, one of our reputable, Board-Certified Ophthalmologists would be happy to see you. Please call our office at (770) 475-0123.  North Fulton Eye Center has two convenient locations – Roswell and Cumming.