Family studies of ocular manifestations in arthritis.

To determine the hereditary and clinical patterns, nine patients from three families with different systemic and ocular rheumatoid diseases were examined ophthalmologically and medically. Three types of HLA-B27 associated anterior uveitis were seen. While HLA-B27 linked genes predispose the carrier to acute anterior uveitis (AAU) frequently recurring or chronic anterior uveitis may develop if an immune-complex disease such as Rheumatoid arthritis coexists. Hereditary factors may dispose patients to rheumatoid episcleritis, scleritis and keratitis.