Objective:

To quantify the bidirectional association between uveitis and systemic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs).

Key Findings:

• Patients showed a significantly higher risk of developing uveitis within five years of IMID diagnosis across all 12 systemic inflammatory conditions.
• Strongest associations were found in ankylosing spondylitis (RR 7.71), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (RR 5.13), and systemic vasculitis (RR 4.61).
• Uveitis was associated with higher odds of a prior IMID diagnosis.
• Patients with uveitis had an increased risk of developing a new IMID within five years.

Interpretation:

Uveitis may serve as an early marker of systemic autoimmunity, indicating the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and rheumatologists.

Limitations:

Conclusion:

The study underscores the importance of recognizing uveitis as a potential indicator of systemic inflammation, advocating for proactive screening and management.