Discovering The Ways How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Your Eyes
Besides the joint swelling and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, other signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can occur due to damage of the skin and nerves. Some of the issues that may occur in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis include damage to the heart and lungs and difficulties with the eyes.
Some eye ailments that can develop include:
* Dry eyes. A sickness called Sjogren’s disease is a popular condition that coexists with rheumatoid arthritis. Dry eyes often show that this disease may be present.
* Inflammation of the inner eye. This disease (uveitis) can lead to blindness if ignored. The indicators include redness, pain and tearing of the eye.
* Inflammation of the membrane protecting the white part of the eye. The indicators of this disease (episcleritis), are a red eye, sometimes go together with tearing and irritation. This disease requires aggressive treatment.
* Cataracts. Steroid therapy is usually the root causes of rheumatoid arthritis in arthritis sufferers. It is best to lessen steroid doses whenpossible to help prevent this condition. Cataracts in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are treated just as they would be in every other patient.
* Maculopathy. This disease is now rare. It is usually caused by anti-malarial therapy in rheumatoid patients. Patients who receive hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for their rheumatoid arthritis may be in danger for maculopathy and should be seen by an eye doctor every six months.
Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who suffer from dry eyes, pain or redness of the eyes, extreme tearing, blurred vision or sensitivity to light should be assessed by an ophthalmologist immediately. It is also recommended that the patient remain in consultation with a rheumatologist. For more information on arthritis hand pain visit here.