Although the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the bones and joints, it frequently causes eye problems. Autoimmune disorders can impede tear production and produce inflammation that causes discomfort and vision loss. In addition, the Mayo Clinic reports that inflammation can contribute to the development of glaucoma and cataracts.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes may feel irritated, itchy, scratchy, burning or gritty--as though something were in the eye. It occurs when there is an inadequate amount of tear production or the quality is so poor that tears don't adequately lubricate the eyes. Dry eyes are a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogen's syndrome. Sjogen's syndrome attacks the moisture producing glands--causing dryness in the mouth, eyes and other body parts. This disorder is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the part of the eye called the uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye's globe that lies underneath the sclera, the white part of the eye, and behind the cornea. The uvea is made up of three parts--the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid-- and is filled with blood vessels that nourish the retina. According to Gary H. Cassel, M.D., Michael D. Billig, O.D. and Harry G. Randall, M.D., authors of "The Eye Book," uveitis is like "arthritis of the eye" because the uveal tissue becomes inflamed. Symptoms include redness, pain and light sensitivity. Treatment with steroid or nonsteroid anti-inflammatory eye drops is usually effective.
Scleritis and Episcleritis
Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye. It is a serious and painful disease. Episcleritis is inflammation of the membrane that covers the sclera. Both of these disorders may be treated with corticosteroid eye drops and anti-inflammatory medications.
Glaucoma
The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eye's drainage system--contributing to the development of glaucoma. Symptoms include gradual vision loss, eye pain or blurred vision. Glaucoma treatment typically involves eye drops to decrease eye pressure and, in some cases, surgery. Glaucoma can also be caused by steroid medications taken to treat arthritis since they can elevate eye pressure. Fortunately, once the medication is discontinued, the pressure usually goes back to normal.
Cataracts
Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, becomes increasingly prevalent in older people. In addition, inflammation caused by arthritis and long-term use of steroids such as prednisone contributes to the development of cataracts. According to Cassel, Billig and Randall, posterior subcapsular cataracts occur in 30 to 49 percent of people taking 10 to 15 milligrams of prednisone daily for one to two years. Cataracts are commonly and very successfully treated with surgery.
References
- "The Eye Book"; Gary H. Cassel, M.D., Michael D. Billig, O.D. and Harry G. Randall, M.D.; 1998
- Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- All About Vision: Dry Eye Syndrome
- "Foundations of Low Vision"; Anne L. Corn and Alan L. Koenig; 2004
