List of systemic diseases with ocular manifestations

The eyes, often dubbed as the "windows to the soul," also serve as windows to systemic health. A myriad of systemic diseases manifest in the eyes, sometimes even before their typical systemic symptoms do. Recognizing these ocular signs can provide early clues for diagnosis, management, and understanding the progression of the underlying systemic condition.

Pathophysiology

Ocular manifestations are common symptoms of various systemic diseases. Recognizing these signs can aid in the diagnosis and management of the underlying condition. Below is a categorized list of systemic diseases that can present with ocular symptoms.

1 Systemic Allergic Diseases

Allergic reactions can manifest in the eyes, leading to conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis or uveitis. Examples include:

• Hay fever
• Atopic dermatitis
• Drug allergies

2 Skin and Mucous Membrane Diseases

Diseases affecting the skin and mucous membranes can also present with eye symptoms. Examples include:

• Pemphigus
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Bullous pemphigoid

3 Phacomatoses

These are a group of syndromic diseases that can manifest with both systemic and ocular symptoms. Examples are:

• Neurofibromatosis
• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• Von Hippel-Lindau disease

4 Collagen Diseases

Collagen diseases often have ocular manifestations due to their inflammatory nature. Examples include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus erythematosus
• Sjogren's syndrome

5 Systemic Viral Infections

Ocular symptoms can occur in various viral infections. Examples include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Herpes zoster
• Rubella

6 Systemic Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections can sometimes cause ocular symptoms. Examples are:

• Tuberculosis
• Syphilis
• Lyme disease

7 Systemic Protozoal Infections

Ocular manifestations can be indicative of protozoal infections. Examples include:

• Malaria
• Toxoplasmosis
• Leishmaniasis

8 Systemic Fungal Infections

Certain fungal infections have the potential to affect the eyes. Examples are:

• Histoplasmosis
• Candidiasis
• Aspergillosis

9 Systemic Cestode and Nematode Infections

Helminth infections might present with ocular symptoms. Examples include:

• Cysticercosis
• Onchocerciasis
• Toxocariasis

10 Chromosomal Disorders and Genetic Syndromes

Certain genetic conditions can have ocular manifestations. Examples are:

• Down syndrome
• Marfan syndrome
• Alport syndrome

11 Hematologic Diseases

Diseases of the blood often have ocular indicators. Examples include:

• Sickle cell disease
• Leukemia
• Polycythemia vera

12 Cardiovascular Diseases

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system can affect the eyes. Examples are:

• Hypertension
• Giant cell arteritis
• Carotid artery disease

13 Endocrine Diseases

Ocular symptoms can arise from hormonal imbalances. Examples include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Graves' disease
• Cushing's syndrome

14 Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Disorders

Eye problems might indicate GI or nutritional disorders. Examples include:

• Crohn's disease
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Celiac disease

15 Metabolic Disorders

Disorders of metabolism can manifest in the eyes. Examples are:

• Galactosemia
• Homocystinuria
• Wilson's disease

16 Musculoskeletal Disease

Musculoskeletal conditions might present with ocular symptoms. Examples include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Behçet's disease

17 Pulmonary Diseases

Lung conditions can sometimes cause ocular symptoms. Examples are:

• Sarcoidosis
• Tuberculosis
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

18 Renal Disease

Kidney diseases can affect the eyes. Examples include:

• Goodpasture syndrome
• IgA nephropathy
• Lupus nephritis

19 Neoplastic Diseases with Ocular Metastases

Certain cancers metastasize to the eyes. Examples are:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Melanoma