As with many of us we assume that arthritis as just inflammation of the joints. Research shows that inflammation is not only attributed to your joints but can also affect your eyes. The reason behind this is inflammation affects Collagen. Collagen is the main component of connective tissue which is also found in the eyes.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, however it can affect your eyes namely the sclera (white area of the eye) and the cornea (lens cap) which are made up of collagen.
Here is our list of 6 eye conditions that are associated with different forms of arthritis:
1. Keratitis Sicca (Dry Eyes Syndrome)
Keratitis Sicca also known as dry eyes syndrome is when the eyes stop producing enough tears to keep your eyes moist. Women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men.
This condition is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and sjogrens syndrome.
Symptoms
- Dryness of eyes
- A feeling of something in your eyes
- Blurred vision
Treatment
- Medication for arthritis to reduce inflammation
- Topical ointments
- Artificial tears
- Eye drops to keep the eyes moist.
2. Scleritis
Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye)
Inflammatory arthritis conditions can lead to sclera or cornea to become thin.
Symptoms
- Redness of the eye which does not go away with the use of over the counter eye drops
- People also experience pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Reduced vision
Treatment
- Corticosteroid eye drops are used to control inflammation, however the problem may be too deep within the eye to control and this is an indication that inflammation is out of control and the patients arthritis treatment may need to be adjusted.
3. Uveitis
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the vascular area of the eye. The uvea is the layer in between the retina and the sclera.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Blurred vision
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment
- Keeping the arthritis inflammation under control can help to reduce risk.
- The first line of treatment will be corticosteroid eye drops, if this doesn’t help you will be given oral corticosteroids or a corticosteroid injection in the eye.
- If you have an infection a course of antibiotics may be provided.
4. Cataracts
Cataracts arise when there is inflammation in the eyeball which causes the lens to start becoming cloudy.
Symptoms
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Difficulty in seeing colours
- Poor night vision
Treatment
- Treatment is with surgery where the cloudy lens is replaced by an artificial lens.
5. Glaucoma
Inflammatory forms of arthritis can lead to glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition that results in the damage of the optic nerve. This is normally caused by high pressure in the eye due to inflammation of the valve that regulates this pressure.
Symptoms
- In the early stages of glaucoma there are no symptoms
- In the later stages the patient may experience pain
- Blurred vision
- Vision that has blank spots and rainbow coloured halos around light
Treatment
- Eye drops to reduce the pressure
- In severe cases surgery can be used to lower the pressure
6. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis occurs when there is inflammation or infection of the lining of your eye lids and the white of your eyes. It is a possible symptom of reactive arthritis.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin disease about half of people with reactive arthritis develop conjunctivitis.
Symptoms
- Redness of the eye or inner lid
- Increased amount of tears
- Yellow discharge that crusts around the eye
- Itchy/burning sensation of the eye
Treatment
- Antibiotic eye drops
- A steroidal course may be prescribed to reduce inflammation
If you feel any of the symptoms of the above speak to your GP.
If you are in need of a home eye test contact us today.
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