Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It is caused when the immune system is not working properly. RA primarily affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. Sometimes RA affects the eyes by causing dry eyes.

Dryness is bad for the health of your eyes and yoru vision. Dry eyes can become infected more easily and if dry eyes are not treated, your cornea may get damaged. The cornea is the the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that helps your eye focus. A person with a damaged cornea will not see clearly.

Sometimes, RA can cause inflammation in the sclera, which is the white part of they eye. This can cause redness and pain.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience dry eye, eye pain, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, book an appointment with us. Early treatment can help prevent vision-threatening complications.