Clinical Manifestations of Ocular Disorders Associated with Systemic Diseases: A Literature Review

Systemic diseases are conditions that can affect various organs of the body, including the eyes, and thus can cause various ophthalmological manifestations that affect patients’ visual function and quality of life. This study aims to identify and describe various forms of eye disorders associated with systemic diseases, as well as the mechanisms and characteristics of their manifestations. The method used was a literature review analyzing 30 scientific articles discussing ocular involvement in various systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, thyroid diseases, rheumatic diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lymphoma, and other systemic diseases. The results of the study indicate that systemic diseases can cause various eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataracts, ocular surface disorders, corneal abnormalities, optic neuropathy, retinal vasculopathy, and thyroid eye disease. These manifestations can occur through vascular, metabolic, inflammatory, autoimmune, infiltrative, or neurological mechanisms. Early detection and management of ocular manifestations in patients with systemic diseases are necessary to prevent the progression of visual impairment and support comprehensive disease management. Thus, ophthalmologic examinations play a crucial role in monitoring patients with systemic diseases because changes in the eyes are not only related to visual function but may also reflect the underlying systemic condition.