Rheumatoid Arthritis & The Eyes

Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory diseases that affects approximately 1% of the US population. The synovial (inner) lining of the joints is the primary tissue affected in rheumatoid arthritis, eventually leading to joint damage and chronic pain. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis results in loss of function and severe disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, which means that it affects numerous organs and tissues in the body, and the eyes are no exception. Rheumatoid arthritis causes decreased production of salivary and tear glands, leading to a condition known as Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome produces symptoms of severe dry eye.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis causes redness, swelling, and pain in the joints between bones. While the disease can affect any joints, the most commonly affected joints are those in the hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system turns around and attacks your own body, particularly those of the linings of the joints.

Further symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are listed below:

• pain, swelling, and redness of the joints
• stiffness of the hands and feet in particular
• morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
• simultaneous pain in more than 3 places
• pain in the same joints on both sides of the body (symmetrical pattern)
• fatigue and low energy

Rheumatoid arthritis can develop gradually or it can occur more acutely, in a severe attack of flu-like symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can take on many forms, and differs drastically from one individual to the next.

Detection & Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If your family doctor suspects that you have rheumatoid arthritis, you will be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who has specialized training in the treatment and diagnosis of joint problems. For severe dry eye associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, you may also be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) who can treat this eye condition separately.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Early detection and diagnosis is crucial to early and aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which is essential for avoiding severe joint damage and prolonging healthy joint function.

Treatment of dry eye associated with rheumatoid arthritis depends on the severity of dry eye. Learn more about dry eye treatment and prevention.

Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Exercise is an important aspect to maintaining healthy joints. Exercise helps to reduce pain and swelling and also leads to weight loss, which eases the strain on joints. In addition to this, exercise builds muscles around joints, which also helps to ease pain.

[ Back to Eye Conditions A-Z ]

---

Disclaimer

The information provided by KnowYourEyes.com is intended for educational purposes only and in no way replaces the advice and diagnosis of a licensed eye care professional. KnowYourEyes.com disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that may result from use of the information obtained from this website.

Artificial Tears        Artificial Tears Artificial tears are an essential component to keeping the eyes comfortable and healthy. In a society with pollution, air conditioning, and hot dry weather, a large marjority of the population suffers from dry eyes. Get dry eye relief today!