From the Research
IgA nephropathy is associated with various eye signs, including episcleritis, scleritis, hypertensive retinopathy, and uveitis, as reported in a recent study 1. The most common ocular manifestations of IgA nephropathy are episcleritis (23.6%), scleritis (16.4%), hypertensive retinopathy or retinal vasculopathy (20.0%), and uveitis (14.5%) 1. Some patients with IgA nephropathy may present with eye involvement as the first manifestation of the disease, highlighting the importance of considering IgA nephropathy in the differential diagnosis of ocular inflammatory conditions 1, 2. Additionally, severe hypertension, a potential complication of IgA nephropathy, can lead to hypertensive retinopathy and papilledema, as seen in a case report 3. Key points to consider in the association between IgA nephropathy and eye signs include:
- The variety of ocular manifestations that can occur in IgA nephropathy, including episcleritis, scleritis, hypertensive retinopathy, and uveitis 1
- The importance of timely recognition and co-management of IgA nephropathy with a nephrologist to reduce disease morbidity 1
- The potential for eye involvement to be the first manifestation of IgA nephropathy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach 1, 2
- The role of systemic conditions like Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in occasionally presenting with eye involvement, such as episcleritis or uveitis, in patients with IgA nephropathy 4. In clinical practice, while ophthalmologic examination is not typically part of the standard workup for IgA nephropathy unless specific eye symptoms develop or the patient has other conditions warranting eye evaluation, awareness of these potential eye signs can facilitate early diagnosis and management of associated conditions.