Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis, which means it affects the joints. But you should also know that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects a variety of body parts and organ systems, including the eyes. Yet, because RA patients might have eye inflammation despite having normal eyesight and no symptoms, ocular issues go unnoticed. This article will assist you in identifying—and addressing—a potential eye problem before it becomes serious.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, keratitis sicca, or sicca complex) is the most frequent eye ailment among RA patients, with studies estimating that up to 46% have it. It happens when moisture-producing glands become inflamed and stop secreting fluid. Patients report itchy, inflamed eyes or a sandy, gritty sensation in their eyes. They think it's just a nuisance, yet a dry eye can create a lot of problems, such as scrapes and thinning on the eye's surface, as well as scar tissue that can impair vision.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Add this to the list of more proof why life isn't fair: About a quarter of persons with one autoimmune disease go on to develop more. Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands and produces dry eyes, mouth, throat, and upper airways, is more common in RA patients. In one study, over 22% of persons with RA had secondary Sjogren's disease (primary Sjogren's disease occurs on its own). Secondary Sjogren's is usually a milder version than primary Sjogren's, but don't ignore it or you risk permanent vision loss.
A Pink Eye From Episcleritis
Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera, which is the sclera's outermost layer (the white of the eye). It has a similar appearance to pinkeye. This, however, is different: Infection causes pinkeye, but rheumatoid arthritis causes episcleritis, which is inflammation. How do you tell the difference between the two? Episcleritis, like pink eye, seems red and itchy, but it does not discharge or cause you to wake up with your eyes glued shut. Episcleritis is a very harmless condition.
A Red, Painful Eye From Scleritis
Scleritis, a type of eye inflammation that affects the sclera, the next layer down in the white of the eye, is more worrying than episcleritis. Scleritis is more common in people who have RA or other inflammatory or autoimmune illnesses. Redness and pain are common symptoms, and it can progress to blindness. In the later stages, the eye may also have a bluish tinge. Scleritis patients frequently schedule an appointment with an eye doctor soon away (as they should!) since the pain, while not severe or stabbing, is tough to bear.
Vision Issues and Floaters From Uveitis
The uvea is a layer of the eye that lies beneath the episclera and sclera layers, and when inflammation occurs here, it's termed uveitis. Anterior uveitis affects the front of the eye, while posterior uveitis affects the back of the eye and is extremely rare. Patients with uveitis experience vision issues and floaters in their eyes. They may also have pain and redness. Symptoms can appear suddenly and quickly worsen.
Blurred Vision From Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis (PUK)
PUK is a dangerous condition characterized by inflammation of the eye's blood vessels or ulceration of the cornea, the transparent membrane covering the front of the eye. PUK symptoms include redness, discomfort, and sensitivity to light, which are similar to those of uveitis and scleritis (it can be a late manifestation of either), but PUK can also cause blurred vision. Because swelling can distort the lens of the eye, patients with PUK may report that things appear blurry.
Retinal Vasculitis
Swollen, inflamed blood vessels harm the rear surface of the eye, where light hits and nerve endings affecting what you're seeing, resulting in retinal vasculitis. You normally don't realize something is amiss until you lose your vision. Minor vision loss or even full blindness can strike without warning, and it's typically too late to reverse the damage.
