Often-Missed Symptoms Pointing Towards Autoimmune Disease

51. Vision Changes or Dry Eyes

A persistent feeling of dry, gritty eyes that doesn't improve with eye drops, or a sudden change in vision, such as blurry vision or light sensitivity, can be a sign of an autoimmune condition. Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus can cause the immune system to attack the glands that produce tears, leading to severe dryness. In some cases, the inflammation can affect the optic nerve or blood vessels in the eye, leading to more serious vision problems. These symptoms are often mistaken for simple allergies or age-related issues, but their persistence is a clear signal that something deeper may be at play.

52. Bumps on Joints and Tendons

If you notice unexplained, hard bumps appearing on your knuckles, elbows, or other joints, it could be a subtle sign of an autoimmune condition. In diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, these nodules are a result of chronic inflammation and are often referred to as rheumatoid nodules. They can range in size from a pea to a golf ball and are typically firm to the touch. While not always painful, their presence indicates that the immune system is actively causing structural changes in your body. This physical symptom, though easy to dismiss as a simple cyst, is a powerful visual clue that something is happening beneath the skin.