According to the Mayo Clinic, “Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition also can damage a wide variety of body systems,” including the eyes. In fact, it’s one of the more common complications – which can lead to corneal damage and vision loss if left untreated. Some of the most common issues include:
Dry Eyes
Your eyes rely on tears to provide moisture, lubrication, and comfort. Dry Eye Syndrome is a common eye disease in which the quantity or quality of tears is diminished. This can lead to eye irritation, fatigue, visual disturbances, and of course, dryness of the eyes. Symptoms include:
-
Pain
-
Sensitivity to light
-
A gritty sensation
-
Feeling like ‘something’ is in the eye
-
Itching
-
Redness
-
Blurred vision / Blurry vision
-
Varying vision clarity.
“Dry eyes are one of the “most common problems” associated with rheumatoid arthritis, says Ana-Maria Orbai, MD, instructor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
The best treatment for dry eyes is prescription eye drops.
Scleritis
Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. Symptoms include:
-
Pain (sometimes severe)
-
Swelling
-
Redness
-
Blurred or blurry vision
-
Tearing
-
Sensitivity to light
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. “Time is of the essence to prevent eye damage and vision loss,” says Orbai.
The best course of treatment is corticosteroid eye drops and possibly immunomodulator medications.
Iritis and Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammatory condition of the middle layer of the eye, the uvea, which provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Similar to arthritis of the joints, Uveitis is not an infection, but rather an inflammation. Uveitis symptoms may develop rapidly, affecting one or both eyes, and can include:
-
Blurred vision
-
Dark, floating spots in the vision
-
Eye pain
-
Redness of the eye
-
Sensitivity to light
Uveitis is the third-leading cause of blindness in developed countries, behind Cataracts (#1) Glaucoma (#2), so seek medical attention as soon as possible if you begin to experience any of the above signs and symptoms.
Treatment of uveitis depends on the symptoms. “Some options include corticosteroids, Trexall (methotrexate), Humira (adalimumab), and Remicade (infliximab),” says Orbai. Your ophthalmologist will determine the best course of treatment for your unique situation.
Anyone living with rheumatoid arthritis should see an ophthalmologist at least once a year. “Only an ophthalmologist can diagnose and rule out possible eye problems in people with RA,” says Orbai.
Schedule an Appointment with the Anne Arundel Eye Center
Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, the Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts, is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone. A consultation with board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles will help guide you through the treatment process and help you determine the best course of action.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Nicole Kershner Regis, Dr. Kathryn Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.