Great question — and yes, RA can definitely affect the eyes! Between 30% and 40% of people with RA experience some kind of eye issue. This happens because RA causes inflammation that damages connective tissue, and since collagen makes up both joints and eyes, the eyes can get caught in the crossfire.
Here are the most Show Full Answer
Great question — and yes, RA can definitely affect the eyes! Between 30% and 40% of people with RA experience some kind of eye issue. This happens because RA causes inflammation that damages connective tissue, and since collagen makes up both joints and eyes, the eyes can get caught in the crossfire.
Here are the most common eye conditions linked to RA:
- Dry Eye (often linked to secondary Sjögren's syndrome) — the most common issue, causing burning, stinging, and a gritty feeling
- Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis (PUK) — inflammation and thinning of the cornea, causing redness, pain, and blurry vision
- Scleritis — inflammation of the white part of the eye; rare but serious if untreated
- Uveitis — inflammation inside the eye, causing pain, floaters, and light sensitivity
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Redness or pain
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Dryness or burning
- Floaters The good news is these conditions are manageable! Eyedrops and lubricants help with dryness. For more serious inflammation, doctors may use steroids or immunosuppressants.
It's really important to see an ophthalmologist yearly, and flag any new eye symptoms to your rheumatologist right away — even if they seem minor. Early treatment makes a big difference in protecting your vision.
July 16
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