Arthritis and Vision Problems: What to Watch Out For

More than 100 arthritis types exist, with varying symptoms and progressions. The following are most commonly associated with eye problems. Let’s take a look at what to expect from each one.

According to experts, several vision problems may occur in those with rheumatoid arthritis. The most common concern is Dry Eye Syndrome, resulting from gland or cell dysfunction in the eyes, preventing proper lubrication. Reduced immune function also occurs.

Rheumatoid arthritis also frequently causes scleritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the sclera. Other symptoms include pain, blurry vision, tearing, and light sensitivity. This condition may also result in inflammation within the eye, known as uveitis, glaucoma, or cataracts. Vision loss may occur if left untreated.

Also known as axial spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition causing spinal vertebrae to fuse together. Although it primarily affects the spine, this form of arthritis can also impact your vision.

Experts state that uveitis or iritis affects up to 50% of those with spondylitis ³. The symptoms include altered vision, photophobia, pain, and redness. It frequently affects one eye at a time, requiring immediate treatment to avoid permanent eye damage.

Recent studies show that psoriatic arthritis could contribute to several vision problems. For instance, ocular inflammation occurred in 31.2% of patients. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, was present in 19.6% patients, causing swelling and redness.

Uveitis develops in approximately 7% of individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Redness, pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are the most common symptoms. Some people also develop small or oddly shaped pupils with this condition.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting those aged 15 and under. White blood cells attack healthy joints, causing inflammation, fever, rashes, and mobility issues.

Unlike other arthritis types, only one vision issue is associated with JIA. Many children with the condition develop uveitis, causing inflammation, pain, redness, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, approximately half of the children show no symptoms at first. Once they appear, it is often too late to prevent permanent damage or vision loss.

Though medication is used to treat arthritis symptoms, some options may increase the risk of vision problems. According to recent studies, long-term corticosteroid use increases the risks of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal hemorrhages, and other eye conditions.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause vision-related side effects, including light sensitivity, blurring, conjunctivitis, or retinopathy. Anti-rheumatic drugs, biologics, anti-metabolites, bisphosphonates, and a few other arthritic treatments are also linked to vision problems. These should be used sparingly and monitored to avoid serious eye damage.

Resources:

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology, Oct. 29, 2016, Ocular Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis
   https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ocular-involvement-in-rheumatoid-arthritis
2. Mayo Clinic, Ankylosing spondylitis
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354808
3. Spondylitis Association of America, Iritis or Anterior Uveitis
   https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/possible-complications/iritis-or-anterior-uveitis/
4. PMC, Aug. 1976, Eye inflammation in psoriatic arthritis
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1007395/
5. National Psoriasis Foundation, Eye Inflammation and Psoriatic Arthritis
   https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/eye-inflammation-and-psoriatic-arthritis/
6. American Academy of Ophthalmology, What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Uveitis
   https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-uveitis
7. PMC, Jan. 1, 2011, Ocular side effects of anti-rhematic medications: what a rheumatologist should know
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2926651/