Arthritis Ireland Arthritis Ireland

When you have arthritis, it's especially important to have regular eye examinations. Certain forms of arthritis are associated with problems that are potentially harmful to your vision. For example, inflammation of the eyes (uveitis) - particularly the iris (iritis) and muscles that focus the eye (iridocyclitis) - is common with juvenile arthritis.

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the whites of the eyes and inner parts of the eyelids) and iritis can accompany reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Dry eye is a hallmark of Sjogren's Syndrome, a condition characterised by inflammation of the tear producing glands, which often occurs with auto-immune conditions such as RA and lupus.

Certain arthritis medications can cause eye problems too. Corticosteroid use can lead to glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve) and cataracts. Hydroxychloroquine can produce pigment changes in the macula, the central part of the retina, which can cause blurred vision.