Ocular manifestations of seronegative spondyloarthropathies.

Abstract

This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of the ocular manifestations of seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Ocular inflammatory disorders are common and important disease manifestations in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathy, with anterior uveitis being the most common. There is a strong association between affected patients and the human leukocyte antigen B27. Local corticosteroid treatment is usually effective, but chronic or refractory uveitis responds well to immunosuppressive drugs that are effective for arthritis. Recent studies have highlighted the possible benefits of a number of biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors in such patients. Uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation in patients affected by seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its pathogenesis. As it tends to affect the young adult population, it carries a significant personal and population burden. Immunomodulatory therapy that also acts as a corticosteroid sparing therapy can be effective in controlling chronic uveitis in patients with spondyloarthropathy.