What is the Connection Between Arthritis and Your Eyes? | Arthritis Awareness Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis affects about one in five people in the United States. It is one of the leading causes of work disability. 

Arthritis is the umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, connective tissue, and surrounding tissues, but arthritis can affect other areas of the body, including the eyes. 
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May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Although most people are familiar with arthritis, they may not understand the possible effects on the eyes.

Continue reading for an examination of the connection between arthritis and your eyes, and how to recognize symptoms and protect your vision. 
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Why can arthritis affect the eyes?

Arthritis can affect the eyes for a few different reasons, such as: 

Inflammation: Some forms of arthritis are classified as autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions don't just affect your joints and connective tissue; they are systemic. This means they can affect your entire body, including your eyes. For example, people who have rheumatoid arthritis have an immune system that attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation throughout the body. The eyes can be sensitive to this type of inflammation.

Medication side effects: Medications used to treat arthritis can increase the risk of dry eyes. For instance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can decrease tear production, leading to dry eye. 

Comorbidities: Some types of arthritis go hand in hand with other conditions that can affect the eyes. For instance, people with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing Sjögren's Syndrome, which causes dry eyes. 
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How can arthritis affect the eyes?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis can affect the eyes in several ways, including those listed below. 

Dry eye: One of the most common eye-related issues associated with arthritis is dry eye. This can occur due to overlapping conditions or due to medication side effects. 

Scleritis: This is a serious eye condition that involves inflammation of the white part of the eye. It is most often associated with autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Uveitis: This condition involves inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, known as the uveal tract.

Increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts: According to the Arthritis Foundation, certain types of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. 
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Symptoms to watch for

If you have arthritis, it's essential to pay attention to changes in your eyes that could indicate a problem, such as: 

• Persistently dry eyes
• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Increased light sensitivity
• Redness that gets worse over time
• Blurry vision

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How can you protect your eye health?

If you have arthritis, taking a few steps can help promote healthy vision. Consider the suggestions listed below.

• Use artificial tears if dryness is a problem.
• Stay well hydrated to promote a healthy tear film.
• Make healthy choices to promote overall eye wellness, such as not smoking, getting regular exercise, wearing sunglasses, and getting plenty of sleep.
• Get regular comprehensive eye exams to check for any changes to your eyes or vision.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you're experiencing eye symptoms as a possible side effect of medication.

Remember, it's important to see your eye doctor if you notice new or worsening eye symptoms, have ongoing dryness that doesn't improve, or any changes to your vision. Early evaluation is vital for managing any eye problems related to arthritis. 

If you would like to schedule an eye appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.