Behçet’s Disease poses a significant risk to eye health due to inflammation that can lead to serious visual complications. Our experienced eye doctors are here to provide the necessary care and support for your ocular involvement.
Behçet’s Disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the blood vessels throughout the body. It is known for its relapsing nature, meaning symptoms may flare up for a period and then subside. Our eye doctors stress its importance because its ocular involvement can lead to serious visual complications if left unchecked.
Behçet’s Disease, sometimes referred to as Silk Road Disease, is a multisystem condition that causes inflammation in arteries and veins of all sizes. Clinically, it is characterized by recurring painful mouth and genital sores, skin lesions, joint pain, and a range of eye problems, among other manifestations. Though the exact cause remains unclear, experts believe that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors triggers an abnormal immune system response that leads to this autoinflammatory condition.
Most commonly seen in regions along the ancient Silk Road, such as Northern Turkey, the Mediterranean basin, and parts of the Middle and Far East, its prevalence is significantly lower in places like North America. Typically, symptoms first emerge in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, affecting both men and women. In some areas, severe ocular complications are more frequently observed, emphasizing the need for close eye care monitoring.
Ocular involvement is one of the most serious aspects of Behçet’s Disease. The inflammation associated with the disease can affect both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, leading to various complications. Our eye doctors explain that unchecked inflammation may result in uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and other conditions that can ultimately cause vision loss if not managed appropriately.
Specifically, the anterior segment of the eye—which includes the iris and ciliary body—may be affected by conditions such as iritis, iridocyclitis, episcleritis, or keratitis, leading to pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. In the posterior segment, retinal involvement can manifest as vitritis, occlusive retinal vasculitis, and even optic neuritis. Regular monitoring using advanced imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA), is essential to assess the extent of inflammation and prevent long-term damage.
These ocular symptoms are not only disruptive but can also be a signal of the overall systemic activity of Behçet’s Disease. By catching eye involvement early, our eye doctors work together with other healthcare professionals to tailor a treatment plan intended to control the inflammation while minimizing the risk of permanent vision loss.
Contact us today to connect with top optometrists and ophthalmologists who can help you manage Behçet’s Disease effectively.
Because Behçet’s Disease is a multisystem disorder, its signs and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. However, there are several key features that most patients experience:
It is important to remember that not every patient will exhibit all of these symptoms, and the severity can range from mild discomfort to serious, sight-threatening complications.
While the precise cause of Behçet’s Disease remains a medical mystery, there are several factors that experts believe contribute to its onset. The disease is considered an autoinflammatory condition, meaning that the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues, resulting in widespread inflammation. This immune dysregulation particularly targets blood vessels, leading to the various symptoms observed.
Genetics play a significant role. Many patients with Behçet’s have certain genetic markers—such as HLA-B5 and HLA-B51—that are more prevalent in regions with high incidence rates. However, having these genetic markers does not guarantee the development of Behçet’s; environmental factors like infections (bacterial or viral) are thought to potentially trigger the disease in those who are already genetically predisposed.
Other factors that may increase risk include:
This combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure creates a fertile ground for the immune system to become overactive, setting off recurrent inflammatory episodes that define the clinical course of Behçet’s Disease.
Contact us today to connect with top optometrists and ophthalmologists who can help you manage Behçet’s Disease effectively.
Ocular involvement in Behçet’s Disease can lead to serious visual complications. Find top eye doctors who can help manage your symptoms effectively.
