​Arthritis involves an inflammatory condition of the joints and connective tissues. Depending on the form, various other symptoms may also develop. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 100 different forms of arthritis.

Although the condition primarily affects the joints, it is also associated with an increased risk of certain eye problems. Continue reading below to learn more about arthritis and how it can affect your eyes. 
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Several factors play a role in the risk of developing eye diseases. Some are controllable, such as smoking and UV exposure, but other factors are out of our control, such as age. Ancestry can also affect your chances of developing some eye conditions. 

​April is National Minority Health Month. It is a good opportunity to focus on reducing the risk of eye diseases that disproportionally affect minorities. 

April is Women’s Eye and Health Safety Month, and although vision loss can affect both men and women, women have a higher risk. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 61 percent of people that have cataracts and glaucoma are women. Additionally, up to 65 percent of patients with age-related macular degeneration also are women. Those conditions can lead to blindness. 

Various factors affect your risk of developing different eye conditions. Some things that increase your risk are out of your control, such as your family history and age, but there are still several things you can do to lower your risk of common eye conditions, including those listed below. 

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down syndrome is a condition that occurs due to an extra chromosome. It can affect a person’s physical growth and cognitive ability. The extent of developmental issues varies greatly. People with Down syndrome are also at a higher risk for certain health problems, including issues that affect the eyes and vision.