Eye symptoms and signs may be the first indication of a systemic disease.
Paying attention to eye symptoms, and examining the eye
may speed up diagnosis of the underlying disease
will improve the visual prognosis through sufficiently early referral to an ophthalmologist.
Some ocular symptoms and signs can be detected by the examination methods used by a GP.
Ocular findings previously made by an ophthalmologist, together with other basic examinations performed by a GP, may lead to the diagnosis of a systemic disease.
Ageing is the most common cause but there may be an underlying systemic disease or treatment accelerating the development of cataracts, such as diabetes, or long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
Corneal ulcers and opacities
Increased risk of ulceration in patients with rheumatic diseases
Seppänen M, Kaarniranta K, Setälä N, Uusitalo H (eds.). [Handbook of Ophthalmology]. 3rd revised edition. Duodecim Publishing Company 2022. Available in Finnish.