Episode 077: Can Autoimmune Disease Affect Your Eyes? Understanding Uveitis with Deep Parikh, MD

Can autoimmune disease affect your eyes?In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with uveitis specialist Dr. Deep Parikh to discuss uveitis, a potentially sight-threatening form of eye inflammation that is often linked to autoimmune disease.They explore how conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory disorders can affect the eyes, sometimes years before a diagnosis is made. Dr. Parikh explains the warning signs of uveitis, including eye pain, redness, floaters, blurry vision, and light sensitivity, and why early diagnosis is critical to preventing permanent vision loss.You'll learn how eye inflammation is diagnosed, the different types of uveitis, current treatment options, and the role of lifestyle factors, nutrition, stress management, and targeted supplements in supporting overall eye health.✔ What is uveitis and why can it threaten vision?✔ The connection between autoimmune disease and eye inflammation✔ Symptoms that should never be ignored✔ How ophthalmologists diagnose and monitor uveitis✔ Treatment options including steroids and immunomodulatory therapies✔ The role of inflammation in long-term eye health✔ Nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help support healthy visionIf you have an autoimmune condition, unexplained eye symptoms, or simply want to understand how the eyes reflect overall health, this episode is packed with valuable insights.About My GuestDeep Parikh, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained uveitis specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating inflammatory eye diseases. He works closely with rheumatologists, neurologists, and other specialists to help patients manage complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting the eyes.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 What is uveitis?03:00 Different types of uveitis05:00 Autoimmune diseases linked to eye inflammation07:00 Symptoms you should never ignore10:00 How uveitis is diagnosed14:00 Treatment options19:00 Nutrition and supplements25:00 Stress, inflammation, and flare prevention28:00 Warning signs requiring urgent care30:00 Final thoughtsConnect with Dr. Deep ParikhInstagram: @drdeepparikhConnect with Dr. Rani BanikWebsite: ⁠https://www.drranibanik.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrRaniBanik⁠Shop: ⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com⁠