Autoimmune retinopathy
Autoimmune Retinopathy
Autoimmune retinopathy (pronunciation: /ˌɔːtoʊˈimjuːn ˌrɛtɪˈnɑːpəθi/), often abbreviated as AIR, is a rare and often underdiagnosed condition that results in progressive vision loss due to the body's immune system mistakenly attacking cells in the retina.
Etymology
The term "autoimmune retinopathy" is derived from the Greek words "autos" (self), "immunos" (immune), and the Latin word "retina" (net), and "pathy" (disease). It refers to a disease where the immune system attacks the self's net-like structure, the retina.
Symptoms
The symptoms of autoimmune retinopathy can vary greatly among individuals. However, common symptoms include night blindness, photopsia (flashes of light), and progressive visual field loss.
Causes
Autoimmune retinopathy is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly producing autoantibodies that target proteins in the retina. This can occur as a result of a systemic autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or can occur in isolation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of autoimmune retinopathy is often challenging due to its rarity and the lack of specific diagnostic criteria. It typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, as well as blood tests to detect autoantibodies.
Treatment
Treatment for autoimmune retinopathy typically involves immunosuppressive therapy to reduce the immune system's attack on the retina. This can include corticosteroids, immunoglobulin therapy, or other immunosuppressive drugs.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autoimmune retinopathy
- Wikipedia's article - Autoimmune retinopathy
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