El Kaouri I, Deligiannis I, Bakopoulou K, Sdralis PP, Shoumnalieva-Ivanova V, Shumnalieva R, Velikova T. Ophthalmological manifestations in autoimmune diseases: Overcoming diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. World J Exp Med 2025; 15(3): 104431 [DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v15.i3.104431]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Issa El Kaouri, MD, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Boulevard ‘Akademik Ivan Evstratiev Geshov’ 15, Sofia 1431, Bulgaria. 104166@students.mu-sofia.bg
Research Domain of This Article
Ophthalmology
Article-Type of This Article
Field of Vision
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Exp Med. Sep 20, 2025; 15(3): 104431 Published online Sep 20, 2025. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v15.i3.104431
Ophthalmological manifestations in autoimmune diseases: Overcoming diagnostic and therapeutic challenges
Issa El Kaouri, Ioannis Deligiannis, Konstantina Bakopoulou, Paraskevas Panagiotis Sdralis, Viara Shoumnalieva-Ivanova, Russka Shumnalieva, Tsvetelina Velikova
Issa El Kaouri, Ioannis Deligiannis, Konstantina Bakopoulou, Paraskevas Panagiotis Sdralis, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Sofia 1431, Bulgaria
Viara Shoumnalieva-Ivanova, Department of Medicare, Medical Center, Sofia 1618, Bulgaria
Russka Shumnalieva, Department of Rheumatology, Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital “St. Anna”, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia 1907, Bulgaria
Russka Shumnalieva, Tsvetelina Velikova, Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
Author contributions: El Kaouri I and Velikova T were involved in conceptualizing the study and writing the draft; Deligiannis I, Bakopoulou K, Sdralis PP, Shoumnalieva-Ivanova V, and Shumnalieva R wrote additional sections in the paper; El Kaouri I, Deligiannis I, and Sdralis PP crafted the figures/tables; Shumnalieva R was responsible for critical revision of the manuscript for relevant intellectual content; All authors approved the final version of the paper prior to submission.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Issa El Kaouri, MD, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Boulevard ‘Akademik Ivan Evstratiev Geshov’ 15, Sofia 1431, Bulgaria. 104166@students.mu-sofia.bg
Received: December 20, 2024 Revised: April 21, 2025 Accepted: July 18, 2025 Published online: September 20, 2025 Processing time: 235 Days and 16.1 Hours
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases frequently present with ophthalmological manifestations, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review delved into the complex interplay between autoimmunity and ocular health, highlighting common manifestations such as uveitis, keratitis, and optic neuritis. We explored advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to improve early detection and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the review addressed current therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the need for tailored treatments to manage ocular symptoms effectively while minimizing systemic side effects. By overcoming these challenges we aimed to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life for those affected by autoimmune-related eye diseases.
Core Tip: Early detection of symptoms related to ocular manifestations in autoimmune diseases, leading to vision-threatening conditions such as uveitis and optical neuritis, is critical for preventing irreversible damage. Advanced diagnostic tools and useful serological biomarkers offer improved accuracy but remain underutilized. Effective management requires balancing symptom control with minimizing immunosuppression risks and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. Continued research is vital to address unmet clinical needs and optimize outcomes.
