Most people get bloodshot eyes, at least occasionally. Bloodshot eyes involve redness on the white part of your eye. While it is very common to get bloodshot eyes, can it mean something is wrong with your eyes? In most cases, bloodshot eyes are caused by a benign or harmless issue, but there are instances when redness, along with other symptoms, can indicate a more serious eye problem. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves an abnormal immune response that leads to inflammation in the body. Although RA primarily affects the joints in the body, it can also lead to other issues with the heart, lungs, and eyes. Knowing how RA may affect the eyes and learning ways to combat problems is helpful to keep your eyes healthy. 

Scleroderma involves an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system overreacts for unknown reasons and attacks your body. In people with scleroderma, the immune system response leads to an excess of collagen production. This overproduction of collagen affects the normal function of the organs.

According to the Scleroderma Foundation, in the United States, about 300,000 people have scleroderma. 
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​Autoimmune disorders affect about 23 million people in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. One of the most common is lupus.
 
Lupus commonly affects not only organs and joints, but also vision. May is Lupus Awareness Month, a good time to bring more attention to this disorder and its affects. 
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