Rheumatoid Arthritis and Vision | Arthritis Awareness Month

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. 

Symptoms and causes of RA

The symptoms of RA can come and go. Some people have ongoing symptoms while others get a flare-up and then symptoms subside for a while. Common symptoms of RA include:

• Pain and swelling in the joints, such as the fingers, knees, and wrists
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of balance
• Joint deformity over time
• Weight loss

The reason why some people develop rheumatoid arthritis is not clear, but certain factors may increase your risk, such as:

• Being female
• Over the age of 60
• Smoking
• Obesity 

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How does RA lead to eye problems?

Similar to other autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect various organs of the body, and that includes the eyes. What happens is the inflammation caused by RA may also start to develop in different parts of the eyes. Although not all people with RA develop eye involvement, it can occur.

While other forms of arthritis are more likely to cause certain vision issues, RA may also lead to a few vision problems, including: 

Dry eyes: One of the most common eye issues related to RA is dry eyes. Dry eyes can cause symptoms such as:

• A gritty feeling in the eyes
• Redness
• Pain

The dryness can become so severe that it makes you more prone to an eye infection. People with RA may also develop Sjogren’s syndrome, which also causes dry eyes.

Scleritis: Less commonly, RA can lead to scleritis, which involves an inflammation of the white part of the eye. Symptoms include:

• Pain
• Excess tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision 

Symptoms of scleritis can become severe if the condition is not treated. Pain with eye movement can develop as well as loss of vision. 

​Can you prevent eye issues?

You may not be able to prevent eye problems associated with RA, but the better you manage your arthritis, the less likely you may be to develop eye issues. The best thing you can do to reduce your risk of eye problems is to follow your doctor’s RA treatment plan. It is also vital to see an eye doctor for regular eye exams to determine changes to your eyes. 

Treatment 

Treatment for RA includes a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Treatment may include:

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: This classification of medication works by slowing the progression of the disease. It may help prevent joint damage.

Steroids: Steroids decrease inflammation and may help ease symptoms. 

Rest: Learning to balance the right amount of rest with activity can help manage symptoms.

Exercise: Low impact exercise that does not stress the joints can help with maintaining range of motion and keep the joints flexible. Talk with your doctor about the best forms of exercise.

Heat and cold: Alternating cold compresses and heat may help ease the pain. Cold compresses can reduce swelling. Heat may relax aching joints.

Eye symptoms management: If eye problems develop, it is helpful to see an eye doctor for treatment. For example, artificial tears may help relieve symptoms of dry eyes. Corticosteroid eye drops may reduce inflammation and treat scleritis. Antibiotics may also be recommended if you are at risk of developing an infection.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is helpful to see an eye doctor for a baseline eye exam. If you have any questions about RA and your eyes, we are happy to help. Additionally, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.