Autoimmune retinopathy: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A rare autoimmune disease affecting the retina}} | {{Short description|A rare autoimmune disease affecting the retina}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
|name = Autoimmune retinopathy | |||
|synonym = AIR | |||
|specialty = [[Immunology]], [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
|symptoms = Progressive vision loss, photopsia (flashing lights), scotomas (blind spots), night blindness | |||
|complications = Permanent vision loss, retinal degeneration | |||
|onset = Gradual | |||
|duration = Chronic | |||
|types = Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR), Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR), non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy | |||
|causes = Autoimmune response against retinal antigens | |||
|risks = Underlying malignancy, genetic predisposition, other autoimmune diseases | |||
|diagnosis = [[Electroretinography]], [[visual field test]], [[optical coherence tomography]], anti-retinal antibody testing | |||
|differential = [[Retinitis pigmentosa]], [[macular degeneration]], [[optic neuritis]] | |||
|prevention = None known | |||
|treatment = Immunosuppressive therapy | |||
|medication = Corticosteroids, [[methotrexate]], [[mycophenolate mofetil]], [[rituximab]] | |||
|prognosis = Variable; early diagnosis and treatment may preserve some vision | |||
|frequency = Rare | |||
|deaths = Related to associated malignancies (if present) | |||
}} | |||
'''Autoimmune retinopathy''' (AIR) is a rare [[autoimmune disease]] characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the [[retina]], the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the [[eye]]. This condition can lead to progressive [[vision loss]] and is often associated with other systemic autoimmune disorders. | '''Autoimmune retinopathy''' (AIR) is a rare [[autoimmune disease]] characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the [[retina]], the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the [[eye]]. This condition can lead to progressive [[vision loss]] and is often associated with other systemic autoimmune disorders. | ||
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* [[Vision loss]] | * [[Vision loss]] | ||
* [[Ophthalmology]] | * [[Ophthalmology]] | ||
{{stub}} | |||
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Eye diseases]] | [[Category:Eye diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | [[Category:Ophthalmology]] | ||
[[Category:Disorders of choroid and retina]] | |||
[[Category:Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions]] | |||
Latest revision as of 17:28, 24 March 2025
A rare autoimmune disease affecting the retina
| Autoimmune retinopathy | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Immunology, Ophthalmology |
| Symptoms | Progressive vision loss, photopsia (flashing lights), scotomas (blind spots), night blindness |
| Complications | Permanent vision loss, retinal degeneration |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR), Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR), non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy |
| Causes | Autoimmune response against retinal antigens |
| Risks | Underlying malignancy, genetic predisposition, other autoimmune diseases |
| Diagnosis | Electroretinography, visual field test, optical coherence tomography, anti-retinal antibody testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, optic neuritis |
| Prevention | None known |
| Treatment | Immunosuppressive therapy |
| Medication | Corticosteroids, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab |
| Prognosis | Variable; early diagnosis and treatment may preserve some vision |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | Related to associated malignancies (if present) |
Autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This condition can lead to progressive vision loss and is often associated with other systemic autoimmune disorders.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Autoimmune retinopathy occurs when the body's immune system produces antibodies that target and damage retinal cells. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that these antibodies interfere with normal retinal function, leading to cell death and subsequent vision impairment. The condition is often associated with the presence of anti-retinal antibodies (ARAs), which can be detected through specialized blood tests.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of autoimmune retinopathy can vary but typically include:
- Progressive vision loss
- Photopsia (flashes of light)
- Scotoma (blind spots)
- Night blindness
- Decreased visual acuity
These symptoms can progress over time, leading to significant visual impairment.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing autoimmune retinopathy can be challenging due to its rarity and the overlap of symptoms with other retinal diseases. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination is essential, which may include:
- Visual field test
- Electroretinography (ERG)
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Blood tests for anti-retinal antibodies
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for autoimmune retinopathy aims to suppress the immune response and preserve vision. Common approaches include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Immunosuppressive therapy such as methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
The effectiveness of treatment varies, and early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with autoimmune retinopathy depends on the severity of the disease and the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and management are key to preserving vision and preventing further retinal damage.
