Rheumatic diseases are multisystemic disorders characterised by involvement of many different organs and systems as well as skeletal and muscular systems. Eye involvement may be the index sign of the disease, while in some cases it may develop months or years after the onset of sys- temic disease. Contrary to popular belief, eye is a common site of rheumatic involvement. In each layer of the eye, from conjunctiva to optic nevre, ocular inflammation may take place in a wide range and variable severity. Typically ocular inflammation is seen as uveitis, episcleritis, keratitis, and ischemic optic neuropathy. Dry eye is a condition that is quite common. Examples of rheu- matic diseases which commonly affect the eye are; rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthri- tis, temporal arteritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener's granulomatosis, poliartertis nodosa, relapsing polychondritis and Behçet's disease. Treatment is quite variable and in general, control of systemic disease helps controlling findings retalting to eye. It should be kept in mind that ocular side effects may occur due to drugs which are used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. The coop- eration of the ophthalmologists and rheumatologists at the time of diagnosis and during follow- ups is very important.

Key Words: Eye manifestations; keratoconjunctivitis sicca; rheumatic diseases; scleritis; uveitis