How Arthritis Can Affect Your Eyes

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects more than just the joints. In some people, the inflammation associated with arthritis can also affect the eyes leading to discomfort, vision problems and in severe cases, sight-threatening conditions.

Many of the housebound patients we provide eye tests for live with long-term health conditions. One of the most common conditions we encounter is arthritis.

Arthritis can affect people of any age, gender or background. While it is often thought of as joint inflammation, research shows that inflammation related to arthritis can affect other parts of the body — including the eyes.

This happens because inflammation affects collagen. Collagen is a major component of connective tissue and is found not only in joints but also in key structures of the eye.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition can affect the eyes — particularly the sclera (the white part of the eye) and the cornea, both of which contain collagen.

Below are six eye conditions that can be associated with different forms of arthritis:

1. Keratitis Sicca (Dry Eye Syndrome)

Keratitis sicca commonly known as dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated.

This condition is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Women are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms than men.

Symptoms may include dryness, a gritty or foreign body sensation, redness and blurred vision.

Treatment may involve managing arthritis-related inflammation, artificial tears, lubricating eye drops or topical ointments.

2. Scleritis

Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera — the white outer layer of the eye.

Inflammatory forms of arthritis can cause the sclera or cornea to become thin and inflamed.

Symptoms include persistent redness that does not improve with over-the-counter eye drops, eye pain, sensitivity to light and reduced vision.

Corticosteroid eye drops are often used to control inflammation. In some cases, deeper inflammation may indicate that arthritis treatment needs to be reviewed.

3. Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye located between the retina and the sclera.

Symptoms of uveitis include eye pain, blurred vision, redness and sensitivity to light.

Keeping arthritis-related inflammation under control can help reduce risk. Treatment often begins with corticosteroid eye drops. In more severe cases, oral corticosteroids or steroid injections may be required. If infection is present, antibiotics may also be prescribed.

4. Cataracts

Cataracts occur when inflammation within the eye causes the natural lens to become cloudy.

Symptoms include blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing colours clearly and poor night vision.

Cataracts are treated with surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens.

5. Glaucoma

Some inflammatory forms of arthritis can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a condition where damage occurs to the optic nerve often due to increased pressure inside the eye. This pressure can rise when inflammation affects the eye’s drainage system.

Early-stage glaucoma often has no symptoms. Later symptoms may include eye pain, blurred vision, missing areas of vision and rainbow-coloured halos around lights.

Treatment usually involves eye drops to lower eye pressure. In more advanced cases, surgery may be required.

6. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the lining of the eyelids and the white of the eye. It can be associated with reactive arthritis.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases around half of people with reactive arthritis may develop conjunctivitis.

Symptoms can include redness, increased tearing, yellow discharge that crusts around the eye, itching and a burning sensation.

Treatment usually involves antibiotic eye drops. Steroid medication may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to speak to your GP.

What are the symptoms of arthritis in the eyes?

The symptoms of arthritis affecting the eyes can vary depending on which part of the eye is affected.

Common symptoms can include:

• Dry or gritty eyes
• Redness
• Eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive watering
• Eye irritation
• Floaters

If you have arthritis and experience any new or unexplained eye symptoms, it is important to speak to your GP or an eye care professional.

Can arthritis affect your eyesight?

Yes, arthritis can affect your eyesight if inflammation affects parts of the eye or if an associated eye condition develops.  Some people may experience blurred vision as a result of dry eyes or inflammation. In more serious cases, conditions such as uveitis, scleritis or glaucoma can cause more significant changes to vision.  This is why it is important not to ignore changes in your eyesight if you have arthritis.

How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the eyes?

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than just the joints. As it is an inflammatory autoimmune condition, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the eyes.  Some people with rheumatoid arthritis experience dry eyes, while others can develop inflammation affecting the sclera or cornea.  Rheumatoid arthritis has also been associated with eye conditions such as scleritis and other forms of eye inflammation.  If you have rheumatoid arthritis and develop eye pain, redness, blurred vision or sensitivity to light, you should have your eyes assessed.

Can arthritis cause eye inflammation?

Some types of arthritis can cause inflammation in different parts of the eye.  This is particularly associated with inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis.  Eye inflammation can cause symptoms such as redness, pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. The treatment will depend on which part of the eye is affected and the underlying cause of the inflammation.

If you are housebound and require an eye test at home, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis and Your Eyes