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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.

I am experiencing vision issues. My vision is blurry and normally have 20/20. What is going on

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Baton Rouge, LA
June 2
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

It could be many different things but it would be best to be seen by your primary care doctor ASAP to rule out different things & you may only then just need to see an eye doctor. Early on after being diagnosed with RA I was also diagnosed with glaucoma & will have to take eye drops every day for the rest of my life to avoid any permanent damage; I have not had any vision loss fortunately since it was caught early during an annual preventative eye exam. I also started having blurry vision & then other crazy symptoms erupted back in January of this year & I found out I was in a Diabetic Ketoacidosis which is a life threatening condition so please go to your doctor. I found out my pancreas is shot, no longer functioning properly due to the long term use of Prednisone for uncontrolled asthma & bronchitis since I was a young child & shorter use of it for RA flareups. I now am an insulin diabetic & have to give myself a daily insulin injection.

June 4
myRAteam

Blurry vision can actually be a symptom connected to RA, so it's worth taking seriously — especially since it's a change from your normal 20/20 vision.

RA-related inflammation can affect the eyes in a few ways. The most relevant causes of blurry vision include:

- Scleritis – inflammation of the white part of the eye Show Full Answer

Blurry vision can actually be a symptom connected to RA, so it's worth taking seriously — especially since it's a change from your normal 20/20 vision.

RA-related inflammation can affect the eyes in a few ways. The most relevant causes of blurry vision include:

- Scleritis – inflammation of the white part of the eye, which can cause blurry vision, deep eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity
- Uveitis – inflammation inside the eye that can cause blurry vision, floaters, redness, and pain
- Dry eye – very common in RA, and can cause blurred or fluctuating vision along with irritation

The connection comes down to collagen — RA damages connective tissue in joints, and the eye is also largely made up of collagen, making it vulnerable to the same inflammatory response. It's really important to see both a rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Some of these eye conditions can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Don't wait on this one — sudden changes in vision deserve prompt attention.

Annual eye exams are also recommended for anyone living with RA, even without symptoms.

June 2

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