Auto-immune eye diseases can happen to anyone. This occurs when something goes wrong with the immune system such that various parts of the eyes are attacked by our white blood cells. These diseases may take place in isolation or can be systemic, meaning, attacking many parts of the body not only the eyes. Under normal conditions, these white blood cells should attack germs and cancer cells only instead of our own body cells. But in this imperfect world, the perfect balance of the body can go wrong at times.

Auto-immune diseases of the eyes can take many forms. Among these are Dry Eyes, Episcleritis, Scleritis, Mooren's Ulcer, Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid, Orbital Pseudotumor, Iritis and Central Serous Retinopathy. The common symptom is pain of varying degrees, sandy sensation or decrease in vision.

Dry Eyes is a very common case. One experiences so much discomfort because of itchiness, redness, feeling that a sand has entered the eye and blurred vision. It is usually treated with artificial tears and lubricating ointments.

Scleritis is also hard to ignore because of severe pain, redness and reduced vision. This is sometimes a result of a systemic dysfunction. Treatments may be oral and topical medications or corticosteroids.
Pain is common in Mooren's Corneal Ulcer. Topical corticosteroids and mucolytics are often prescribed.

Ocular cicatricial Pemphigoid is a vesicular conjunctivitis usually after age 60. It manifests as a foreign body sensation and burning pain. This condition can lead to profound dry eyes. Dapsone is often the first line treatment but has some contraindications with some patients. Cytotoxic medications or corticosteroids help in this condition.

Iritis is also painful and causes blurred vision. Prednisone acetate and cycloplegic drugs are the usual remedy used by doctors.

Orbital pseudotumor that involves the orbital apex causes pain and is said to dramatically respond to systemic cortecosteoroids.

We can continue to enumerate these auto-immune diseases. One thing to note is that the treatment approach is usually systemic involving steroid or immunosuppressive drugs.

The problem with steroids is that they may cause to develop cataracts even in young people. Steroid cataract symptoms tend to develop faster, that is, months rather than years.

A more natural approach to auto-immune eye diseases is to combine non-steroidal topical eye drops with immune system boosters. Topical drops such as N-Acetyl Carnosine drops can improve eye health due to its cell rejuvenating properties. Sufficient intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin nutrients can also help the eyes from within.

Boosting the immune system with anti-oxidants or superfoods such as Marine Phytoplankton would help ward off auto-immune diseases of the eyes and the whole body as well.

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