Psoriasis: watch out for your eyes!

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In psoriasis, the skin flakes and itches, and sometimes the joints are also affected. But what very few people know: The disease can also endanger the eyes. In the worst case, it even threatens the eyesight.

"Patients with psoriasis should not hesitate to visit an ophthalmologist even if they have minor problems with their eyes," advises Prof. Dr. Uwe Pleyer from the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists Germany. Because the autoimmune disease often damages the eyes - especially in psoriatic arthritis, i.e. when the joints are affected in addition to the skin.

Dry eyes

Psoriasis patients often suffer from dry eyes (sicca syndrome). Possible symptoms are tired eyes and a foreign body sensation - as if grains of sand were rubbing on the surface of the eye. The cause is a non-intact tear film. Then it is easy for bacteria and viruses to penetrate the eye. The tear film is also important for the protection of the cornea and it supplies the eye with nutrients. "That is why dry eyes should always be treated," emphasizes Pleyer. A tear substitute in the form of eye drops, gels or ointments usually helps. In severe cases, an anti-inflammatory drug is added to it.

Inflamed eyes

Those suffering from psoriasis should pay particular attention to the following symptoms: reddened eyes, painful sensitivity to light and blurred vision - because then the vascular skin of the eye can be inflamed (uveitis). These include the iris, the radiating body and the choroid. In Germany, this is the second most common reason why someone of working age goes blind. People with psoriasis are three to four times more likely to have uveitis than healthy people.

The inflammation is often insidious, so that those affected do not notice it until late. If you recognize the inflammation of the skin of the eye vessels, you can treat it with various drugs, such as eye drops containing cortisone or with active ingredients that intervene in the immune system. "If uveitis occurs together with psoriasis, patients should definitely inform their ophthalmologist," says Pleyer. For against psoriasis, dermatologists can prescribe certain anti-inflammatory drugs that also have a positive effect on the inflammation in the eye. Less cortisone has to be used for therapy.

Immune system out of control

In Germany, two million people suffer from psoriasis. Due to the autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly recognizes the body's own tissue as foreign and attacks it. You cannot get infected with people with psoriasis. The predisposition to psoriasis can be inherited. (away)

Source: Press release of the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists Germany e.V .: The eye can be affected in psoriasis, June 15, 2016.

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