Antibodies to retina
Antibodies to the retina are autoantibodies produced by the immune system against proteins and structures of the cells of the retina. Their appearance is associated with a violation of immune tolerance and can lead to damage to the visual analyzer, the development of inflammatory and degenerative eye diseases.
This analysis is used to diagnose autoimmune retinopathy, including paraneoplastic (tumor-related) and idiopathic forms. Antibodies can be produced both in malignant neoplasms (paraneoplastic retinopathy) and in autoimmune diseases without oncological processes.
Possible clinical manifestations:
- Gradual or rapid deterioration of vision
- Narrowing of the visual fields
- Heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Distortions of visual perception (metamorphopsia)
- Impaired adaptation to darkness
- Appearance of "floaters" or flashes of light
Main conditions in which antibodies to the retina are detected:
- Paraneoplastic retinopathy - more commonly associated with lung, breast, and ovarian cancer, as well as lymphomas
- Autoimmune retinopathy - may occur in systemic autoimmune diseases (ACS, Sjögren's syndrome, vasculitis)
- Rare hereditary and inflammatory diseases of the retin