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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.

Can RA affect blood vessels in your eyes?

A myRAteam Subscriber asked a question 💭
June 8
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Alcohol and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Your Guide Read Article...
A myRAteam Member

RA affects everything. It can even cause ear pain. Your tendons, muscles, joints, vital organs… Everything. And yes, alcohol and smoking can make it all worse. Usually RA will also cause other problems, like plantar fasciitis, Synovitis, tendinitis, and Sjögren's syndrome .
All of which are associated with autoimmune disease. It’s a vicious cycle, but can be helped and/or controlled with proper care and healthy choices.

June 10
myRAteam

Yes, RA can affect blood vessels in the eyes. The same immune system activity that attacks joints can also target eye tissue, leading to inflammation and various complications. Some specific ways RA can impact blood vessels and eye tissue include:

- Blockage of blood vessels in the eyes, which can restrict blood flow
- Show Full Answer

Yes, RA can affect blood vessels in the eyes. The same immune system activity that attacks joints can also target eye tissue, leading to inflammation and various complications. Some specific ways RA can impact blood vessels and eye tissue include:

- Blockage of blood vessels in the eyes, which can restrict blood flow
- Scleritis — inflammation of the white part of the eye, which can cause thinning and increase the risk of vision loss
- Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) — swelling of small and medium blood vessels that can affect blood flow to eye tissue

These conditions can range from mild to serious. Scleritis in particular can be dangerous if left untreated.

It's really important to let your rheumatologist or eye doctor know about any new eye symptoms — even ones that seem minor, like redness, pain, or blurry vision. Annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist are strongly recommended for people with RA.

June 8

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