Sarcoidosis and the Eye: Uveitis, Optic Neuritis & Retinal Vasculitis — What Delhi Patients Should Know

Sarcoidosis can affect the eyes as well as the lungs and skin.

Many people with sarcoidosis develop ocular problems that range from mild dryness to sight-threatening inflammation.

Patients in Delhi often search for terms like sarcoidosis uveitis, sarcoidosis eye symptoms, sarcoid optic neuritis, and sarcoidosis retinal vasculitis when they notice vision changes.

Why eye care matters in sarcoidosis?

Ocular involvement may be the first or only sign of systemic sarcoidosis.

Studies estimate that roughly 10–60% of patients have some eye manifestation during their illness, with uveitis being the most common presentation.

Prompt diagnosis reduces the risk of permanent vision loss because early treatment controls inflammation and limits complications. 

 

Common eye problems from sarcoidosis

Uveitis describes inflammation inside the eye and often presents with redness, light sensitivity, pain, or blurred vision.

Anterior uveitis may show granulomatous signs, while posterior or panuveitis can lead to floaters and decreased sight.

Retinal vasculitis happens when retinal blood vessels become inflamed, causing leakage, hemorrhages, and areas of poor blood flow.

Severe vascular inflammation can produce ischemia and stimulate abnormal new vessel growth, which threatens vision if untreated.

Optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic syndromes occur when granulomas or inflammation affect the optic nerve.

Ischemic optic neuropathy can develop when blood flow to the optic nerve head is compromised and may cause sudden, often severe, vision loss.

Dry eye and lacrimal gland involvement sometimes accompany intraocular disease and can worsen symptoms and comfort.

 

How doctors diagnose ocular sarcoidosis

An ophthalmologist will perform a slit-lamp and dilated fundus exam to look for granulomas, vitreous cells, vasculitis, and optic nerve changes.

Special tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and visual fields give more detail about retinal swelling, perfusion, and nerve function.

Blood tests and chest imaging are often used to seek systemic sarcoidosis, and the International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis (IWOS) criteria help standardize diagnosis when biopsy is not available.

 

Standard treatments and when they are needed

Initial therapy for sight-threatening inflammation usually includes corticosteroids given topically, by injection, or systemically.

Many patients require steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate, mycophenolate, or azathioprine for long-term control and to reduce steroid side effects.

Biologic therapies like anti-TNF agents may be considered for refractory disease after careful risk assessment.

Laser treatment or intravitreal injections can address secondary complications such as neovascularization or macular edema.

Red flags — when to seek emergency care

Sudden loss of vision, new severe eye pain, rapidly increasing floaters, or a dark central spot need urgent assessment.

Delaying care can make damage irreversible when vascular occlusion or optic nerve ischemia is present.

 

Practical tips for Delhi residents living with sarcoidosis

Keep regular follow ups with both your ophthalmologist and rheumatologist so systemic therapy and eye care remain coordinated.

Avoid smoking and manage blood pressure to reduce vascular risk, and protect your eyes outdoors with sunglasses to limit irritation.

Use preservative-free artificial tears when dryness is present and report any new visual symptoms promptly.

 

Why choose a specialist centre in Delhi for sarcoid eye disease?

Expert care combines advanced retinal imaging with experience in inflammatory and neuro-ophthalmic disease.

Centers that coordinate with rheumatology provide faster access to systemic immunosuppression when eyes are threatened.

Amvision Eye & Child Care offers in-house diagnostics and a team approach for complex inflammatory eye disease in Delhi.

Dr. Chirag Mittal leads clinical care there and has formal fellowship training and experience in cornea and anterior segment, with practical experience managing inflammatory eye problems in regional clinics.

 

How a typical visit works at Amvision Eye & Child Care

You will receive a focused history and a complete eye exam including dilated fundoscopy on your first visit.

Advanced imaging such as OCT and FFA is available on site when retinal vasculitis or macular edema is suspected.

Coordination with local rheumatologists and timely referrals for blood tests or chest imaging help confirm or rule out systemic sarcoidosis.

 

FAQs — quick answers for common searches

 

What are the common sarcoidosis eye symptoms?

Redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, floaters, and sometimes dry eyes are frequent complaints.

 

How is sarcoidosis retinal vasculitis treated?

High-grade inflammation usually needs systemic steroids followed by steroid-sparing immunosuppressants; targeted retinal therapy treats complications. Dove Medical Press+1

 

Can sarcoid optic neuritis be reversed?

Prompt treatment often improves vision, but delay can cause permanent loss; early specialist care gives the best chance of recovery.

 

When should I see Dr. Chirag Mittal at Amvision?

If you live in Delhi and have new or worsening vision symptoms, or a known diagnosis of sarcoidosis with eye complaints, book an urgent ophthalmic evaluation.