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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Are all eye issues related to RA attack both eyes or can it be one eye?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Roseburg, OR

My right eye suddenly got blurry on Friday. I went to urgent care and ruled out stroke and retinal detachment. They said to make a comprehensive eye exam appointment. Long wait for ophthalmologist, what should I do?

April 19
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A myRAteam Member

Maybe ask if your Primary Care Dr could get you in to the Opthamologist a little faster with an urgent referral? Worth a shot!

Actually the advice given by the site AI is pretty good Esther! Try those suggestions tomorrow and I wish you Good Luck! Your eyes are nothing to mess around with.

April 19 (edited)
myRAteam

Can eye issues from RA affect just one eye?

Eye problems related to RA can affect one or both eyes. While some conditions like dry eye syndrome often affect both eyes, inflammatory conditions such as scleritis, uveitis, or peripheral ulcerative keratitis can develop in just one eye initially.

A myRAteam member shared Show Full Answer

Can eye issues from RA affect just one eye?

Eye problems related to RA can affect one or both eyes. While some conditions like dry eye syndrome often affect both eyes, inflammatory conditions such as scleritis, uveitis, or peripheral ulcerative keratitis can develop in just one eye initially.

A myRAteam member shared experiencing throbbing pain and broken blood vessels specifically in their left eye, showing that RA-related eye issues don't always affect both eyes equally. What should you do while waiting for your ophthalmologist appointment?

Since you've ruled out stroke and retinal detachment, here are some steps to take:

- Contact your rheumatologist immediately about your sudden blurry vision - they may be able to expedite an ophthalmology referral or provide guidance
- Ask the ophthalmology office if they have a cancellation list you can join
- Let them know you have RA and are experiencing sudden vision changes, as this may help prioritize your appointment
- Monitor for worsening symptoms like increased pain, redness, light sensitivity, or further vision loss
- If symptoms worsen significantly, return to urgent care or the ER

Eye symptoms in RA can sometimes indicate serious conditions that need prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision damage, so don't hesitate to advocate for a sooner appointment.

April 19
A myRAteam Member

I managed to call my ophthalmologist's office this morning and used the key words - RA and sudden vision changes - I have an appointment this afternoon.

April 20 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

Thats Awesome @A myRAteam Member!!! Its all in how you present the problem sometimes! I hope you get some answers and a simple fix! Let us know please Esther! Praying for your eyes!

April 20
A myRAteam Member

Very first question that comes to mind, "if your specialist has given you a medication for the eyes are you using it? With that being said, have you considered using an over the counter eye drop prior to the eye medication as that over the counter eye drop does give the eye a further protection.

I, personally, have dry eyes with the rheumatoid arthritis so what I started doing is using Systane Complete enjoying my morning coffee for 15 minutes then putting the Restasis into place so that medication is taken care of for the day. The same process takes place once again in the evening hours, I'm usually have a nice cup of chamomile tea for the evening to relax.

April 20

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