Question: Can Behcet's Disease Cause Blindness?
Answer: Behcet's is an autoimmune disease that results from damage to blood vessels throughout the body. The eyes are commonly involved in the progression of the disease. Inflammation inside the eye can cause blurry vision, pain and redness. Eye disorders such as uveitis, retinitis and iritis are often associated with the disease.
Unfortunately, no cure exists for this disease. Treatment plans for Behcet's involve reducing discomfort and suppressing the overactive immune system, usually with oral and topical drugs. Steroid eye drops along with steroid injections next to the eye are often prescribed. Oral medications are required to control the progression of the disease. Vision loss may be controlled if the disease is kept in remission. Sadly, however, many patients with the disease will eventually become legally blind.
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