Inflammatory Eye Disease Specialist in Rosedale, Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, North Baltimore, Edgewater, and Catonsville MD

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we recognize the close connection between inflammatory eye diseases and autoimmune or systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Conditions such as uveitis, scleritis, and episcleritis can occur as complications of these rheumatic diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy ocular tissues. Early identification of these connections is critical to ensure comprehensive care and effective treatment.

Our approach involves collaboration between rheumatologists and ophthalmologists, offering a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. We utilize a detailed patient history and diagnostic tests to determine the causes of eye inflammation, whether autoimmune, infectious, or idiopathic. Treatment strategies include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and other targeted therapies aimed at reducing inflammation and managing the underlying systemic conditions.

At Nasseri Clinic, we focus on alleviating symptoms like eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, while also addressing the root causes of inflammation. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are emphasized to prevent complications and preserve vision. By understanding the link between inflammatory eye diseases and rheumatic disorders, we ensure holistic care that promotes both ocular and overall health.

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we recognize the interconnectedness between systemic rheumatic conditions and ocular health. Inflammatory eye diseases often overlap with rheumatic diseases, impacting treatment strategies for our patients.

Linking Inflammatory Eye Disease with Rheumatic Conditions:

Rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis can present with ocular manifestations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care. Recognizing symptoms and potential eye involvement is essential for both patients and healthcare providers.

Common Ocular Symptoms in Rheumatic Diseases:

• Pain and Discomfort: Eye pain from conditions like scleritis or uveitis may signal a systemic flare-up and require coordinated care.
• Redness and Swelling: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome can cause significant redness and swelling, needing both ocular and systemic treatments.
• Eye Discharge: Conjunctivitis and other inflammatory conditions can complicate the clinical picture.
• Blurred Vision: Vision changes often indicate uveitis, linked to ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Sensitivity to Light and Other Symptoms: Photophobia in rheumatic diseases requires careful evaluation to prevent complications such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Integrated Approach to Care:

Our multidisciplinary team works closely with ophthalmologists to provide a holistic approach, ensuring comprehensive management of both inflammatory eye diseases and rheumatic conditions.

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we utilize targeted injection treatments to manage inflammation effectively and prevent complications in inflammatory conditions affecting the eyes, joints, and other body parts. Here are the key reasons and benefits of using injections:

• Targeted Delivery of Medication: Injections provide a direct, localized delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to the affected area, ensuring higher concentrations and more effective outcomes compared to systemic treatments.
• Reduction of Inflammation: Injections suppress pro-inflammatory molecules, reducing swelling, redness, and pain, which is essential for managing conditions like arthritis and rheumatic diseases that impair joint function.
• Prevention of Complications: By controlling inflammation, injections help prevent damage to joints and tissues, stabilizing the condition and preventing further complications such as joint deformity or loss of function.
• Treatment of Specific Conditions: Injections are used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis.
• Minimization of Systemic Side Effects: Injections reduce the risk of systemic side effects, such as weight gain and increased infection risk, commonly associated with oral steroids or immunosuppressive drugs.

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we take a comprehensive approach to managing inflammatory conditions that extend beyond joints to include ocular health. Many systemic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can lead to inflammatory eye diseases such as uveitis or scleritis. Our collaborative, patient-centered care ensures that both ocular and systemic conditions are treated together.

Understanding Eye Injections for Inflammatory Conditions:

Eye injections are often necessary to manage inflammation caused by these diseases. In the early stages, more frequent injections may be required (every four to six weeks) to effectively control inflammation. As the condition stabilizes, the frequency of injections decreases, similar to adjustments made in managing systemic diseases.

Ongoing and Long-Term Management:

For chronic conditions, long-term injection therapy may be needed to prevent complications like vision loss. Our interdisciplinary team works closely with ophthalmologists to regularly monitor treatment effectiveness using imaging studies, such as OCT and fluorescein angiography.

Collaborative and Patient-Centered Care:

We emphasize open communication and personalized care, ensuring that each patient’s treatment plan is optimized and adjusted according to disease progression and response.
 
At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, our goal is to provide holistic, patient-centered care that addresses the full spectrum of health challenges faced by those with inflammatory diseases. By integrating eye care into our treatment paradigms, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and maintain quality of life. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Catonsville MD, North Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD.