Rheumatoid Arthritis And Eyes: How Does It Affect Them?When arthritis is mentioned most people think of aching inflamed joints, and while this is true, many people don’t realise arthritis can also affect the eyes.Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of the disease, generally affecting older people as it is caused by wear and tear of our joints overtime, and this would not affect the eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand is an autoimmune disease, which causes the body to attack health cells including the eyes and can affect people of all ages. Below are 4 ways in which rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes.1. CataractsCataracts is a common eye issue when we age, but with people who have rheumatoid arthritis cataracts can develop at any age. The reason for this is due to inflammation of the eye, this in turn can cause the natural crystalline lens to go from being clear to becoming cloudy. Cataracts are normally very easy to correct with cataract surgery. This is done by removing the natural cloudy lens and replacing it with a lens implant, which will not deteriorate over time. Where medically necessary cataract surgery can be done at any age.For more information about this condition, we recommend reading our guide on everything you need to know about cataracts.2. GlaucomaGlaucoma is an eye condition caused by an increase in the eye’s internal pressure, which if left untreated can cause damage to the optic nerve leading to vision loss and even total blindness. Rheumatoid arthritis can increase the pressure within the eye leading to glaucoma. Also, corticosteroid therapy used for arthritis can also cause glaucoma. People with the start of glaucoma may not notice any symptoms, so it is very important to have regular eye checks with an eye clinic, so they can check for glaucoma, and even more so if you have rheumatoid arthritis. If caught early, glaucoma can be treated with topical eye drops, but in some circumstances, surgery may be required..fusion-widget-area-2 {padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-widget-area-2 .widget h4 {color:#252525;}.fusion-widget-area-2 .widget .heading h4 {color:#252525;} Search for: Recent Posts What Is Blepharitis? Symptoms & Treatment What Is Astigmatism? PRK Vs LASIK: What’s The Difference? Myopia Vs Hyperopia: What’s The Difference? What Is Hyperopia? (Long-Sightedness) Book a consultation to see how to best tackle your eye condition. Call us or book a consultation online today.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4{border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:25px 25px 25px 25px;background:rgba(92,92,98,0.8);}.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4 .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4 i,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:hover .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:hover i,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:focus .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:focus i,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:active .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:active i{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:hover,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:active,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-4:focus{border-color:#ffffff;background:#5c5c62;}CALL 0800 197 8808.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-5{border-radius:25px 25px 25px 25px;}Book a consultation3. Dry Eye DiseaseDry eye disease, also medically known as keratitis sicca, is a condition often found in people with rheumatoid arthritis, as it can reduce tear production which is needed to keep the eyes moist. Controlling the underlying inflammation with medications taken for the arthritis can give some relief of dry eye symptoms, which can include; red eyes, grittiness, excessive tearing and a burning sensation. Artificial tears, and sometimes immunosuppressant eye drops, will normally be needed. There are also a variety of at-home and in-clinic treatments that may be recommended to help with controlling dry eye symptoms.4. ScleritisScleritis affects the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera which can cause it to become thin. Symptoms of scleritis can include pain, vision changes and persistent redness. Scleritis can be a sign that the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis is out of control, so it is extremely important to make sure good control of the rheumatoid arthritis is kept.About the expertMr Samer Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal SurgeonMD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer Hamada, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands. .fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6{border-color:#ffffff;border-radius:25px 25px 25px 25px;background:rgba(92,92,98,0.8);}.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6 .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6 i,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:hover .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:hover i,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:focus .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:focus i,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:active .fusion-button-text,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:active i{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:hover,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:active,.fusion-body .fusion-button.button-6:focus{border-color:#ffffff;background:#5c5c62;}Learn more about me
