Systemic Eye Diseases

Some diseases affect the human body organs on one end, but also affect and cause problems for the eye. Some of the eye's disease do not originate in the eye itself, but started as a result of the problem in other organs, which are also connected to the central nervous system. Cataracts, uveitis, central retinal vein occlusion and Amaurosis fugax are some examples of such diseases.

What is Systemic Eye Disease?

• Diseases affecting the human central nervous system also affect the eye. The human brain is connected the retina of the eyes as well as the optic nerves. This establishes the connection between diseases that affect the central nervous system and the eye. Eye diseases may also be an early indicator of problems in the central nervous system.

Cataracts

• Cataracts are often caused by diabetes--the leading cause of new cases of blindness. According to the WHO, diabetic retinopathy is one of the top causes of blindness worldwide. While the development of eye cataract is associated with age, other metabolic problems in the human body could also lead to the development of cataracts. For instance poorly managed diabetic conditions could exacerbate the development of eye cataracts, and may lead to a deficiency of phosphofructokinase as well that of G6P..

Uveitis

• Uveitis is described as the inflammation of the unveal tract, which is made up of the iris, choroid and ciliary. Uveitis is a systemic eye disease and is associated with other systemic diseases of the body, such as Behcet's Syndrome, Reiter's Syndrome and sarcoidosis. Uveitis affects the front of the eye around the iris. It is an acute eye disease and develops suddenly with intense pain.

Central retinal vein occlusion

• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is an eye problem, and a vascular disorder that affects the retina. It may lead to a variable visual loss. It is a systemic eye disease caused by arteriosclerotic changes in the retina. Such changes cause damage to the artery and transforms it into a rigid state. CRVO is caused by venous diseases, and blood clot formations. The disease is also associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Amaurosis fugax

• Amaurosis fugax is a painless condition but could lead to a temporary loss of all or part of a person's vision. It may last for just a few seconds or minutes. It is a systemic eye problem caused by haematological problems, or giant cell arthritis. Other systemic diseases that may cause amaurosis fugax include Takayasu's disease and sickle cell disease.