10 Must-Know Eye Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t just affect your joints—it can also impact other parts of your body, including your eyes.

Eye involvement is more common than many people realize, and neglecting these symptoms can lead to serious complications. Knowing what to watch for is the first step to protecting your vision while managing RA.

Here are the top 10 eye symptoms you need to know, along with tips and actionable advice to help you avoid potential problems.

1. Dryness

Dry eyes are one of the most common eye-related symptoms of RA. The condition often reduces tear production, leading to a feeling of dryness and discomfort.

What It Feels Like: You may experience a gritty sensation, like sand in your eyes. Blinking doesn’t seem to help, and your eyes may feel irritated, especially in dry or windy environments.

Why It Happens: RA can trigger inflammation in the glands responsible for tear production, reducing their output. This is also linked to secondary Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition that commonly coexists with RA.

What to Do: Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide relief. Use preservative-free options to avoid irritation. Humidifiers can also help keep your environment moist. If symptoms persist, consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

2. Redness

Persistent eye redness can be a warning sign of underlying inflammation caused by RA.

What It Looks Like: For extended periods, the white part of your eye (sclera) may appear bloodshot or pink. This redness might be accompanied by mild discomfort.

Why It Happens: Episcleritis, inflammation in the eye’s outer layers, is a common cause. While episcleritis is typically less severe, it can progress to more serious conditions if untreated.

What to Do: Monitor the redness closely. See a doctor immediately if it’s paired with pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity. Anti-inflammatory eye drops or oral medications may be prescribed.

3. Pain

Eye pain is not something to ignore, as it can indicate serious conditions linked to RA.

What It Feels Like: Pain can range from mild aching to sharp, stabbing sensations. It might worsen with eye movement or appear alongside redness.

Why It Happens: Scleritis, an inflammation of the sclera, can cause significant discomfort. Unlike episcleritis, scleritis is more severe and can lead to vision complications.

What to Do: Seek medical attention immediately. Over-the-counter painkillers won’t address the underlying cause, so a proper diagnosis is crucial. Treatment often involves systemic medications like corticosteroids.

4. Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)

Photophobia, or light sensitivity, can be an early sign of RA-related eye issues.

What It Feels Like: Bright lights may cause discomfort or even pain. You might find yourself squinting or avoiding sunlight and other intense light sources.

Why It Happens: Conditions like uveitis—inflammation of the eye’s middle layer—can make your eyes more sensitive to light. This is a serious issue that requires prompt attention.

What to Do: Wear sunglasses to reduce discomfort, but don’t stop there. Schedule an appointment with an eye specialist to determine the root cause and start appropriate treatment.

5. Blurred Vision

Blurry vision can indicate inflammation or damage within the eye due to RA.

What It Looks Like: Objects may appear out of focus, and your vision may seem hazy despite wearing corrective lenses.

Why It Happens: Uveitis and other inflammatory conditions can interfere with the eye’s ability to focus. Corneal damage from chronic dryness may also contribute.

What to Do: Avoid driving or performing activities that require sharp vision until the issue is resolved. Your eye doctor may prescribe steroids or other medications to reduce inflammation and restore clarity.

6. Excessive Tearing

Though counterintuitive, dry eyes can sometimes lead to excessive tearing.

What It Feels Like: You may notice tears streaming down your cheeks even though your eyes feel dry and irritated.

Why It Happens: When your eyes lack lubrication, they can overcompensate by producing excess reflex tears. These tears, however, don’t have the same lubricating qualities as normal tears.

What to Do: Treat the underlying dryness with lubricating eye drops. If tearing persists, consult an eye doctor to rule out other issues.

7. Grittiness

A gritty or foreign body sensation in the eyes can be annoying and indicate underlying issues.

What It Feels Like: It may feel like a small particle is trapped in your eye, even when nothing is there.

Why It Happens: Dryness and inflammation are the primary culprits. The surface of the eye can become irritated, causing this uncomfortable sensation.

What to Do: Use lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation. For persistent symptoms, seek professional advice to ensure there’s no damage to the cornea.

8. Eye Fatigue

RA can make your eyes tire more easily, especially after extended use.

What It Feels Like: Your eyes may feel heavy, sore, or strained after activities like reading or screen time.

Why It Happens: Chronic inflammation and dryness can reduce your eyes’ endurance. Struggling to focus due to blurry vision may also contribute.

What to Do: Take regular breaks when using screens or reading. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Hydrate your eyes with artificial tears if needed.

9. Floaters

Seeing floaters can be alarming, but it’s important to understand their significance.

What It Looks Like: Floaters appear as small specks, cobwebs, or threads drifting across your vision, especially in bright lighting.

Why It Happens: Inflammation can cause debris to accumulate in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance inside your eye.

What to Do: While occasional floaters are normal, a sudden increase or appearance of flashing lights warrants immediate medical attention. This could indicate retinal detachment or other serious issues.

10. Decreased Vision

A noticeable decline in your ability to see can signal advanced eye involvement.

What It Feels Like: Even with corrective lenses, you might struggle to read, recognize faces, or drive.

Why It Happens: Chronic inflammation, untreated conditions like uveitis, or damage from dryness can all contribute to vision loss.

What to Do: Don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an urgent visit with an ophthalmologist to identify the cause and prevent further deterioration. Early intervention is key to preserving your vision.

Conclusion

Your eyes are precious, and staying informed about the potential impact of rheumatoid arthritis is essential to maintaining your vision.

Recognizing these 10 symptoms early and seeking prompt medical care can reduce the risk of long-term complications. Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist and proactive management of RA can make all the difference.

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult your doctor, and take steps to protect your eyes today.

FAQs

Q: Can RA affect both eyes equally? A: Yes, RA-related eye issues often impact both eyes, but symptoms can vary in severity between them.

Q: How often should someone with RA see an eye doctor? A: It’s recommended to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year or more frequently if you experience symptoms.

Q: Are there any lifestyle changes to support eye health with RA? A: Yes, staying hydrated, using humidifiers, wearing sunglasses, and limiting screen time can help reduce eye strain and dryness.

Q: Can these symptoms go away on their own? A: Some mild symptoms may improve with rest or over-the-counter treatments, but addressing underlying causes with medical help is crucial.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Recommended Action
Dryness	Decreased tear production	Use artificial tears
Redness	Episcleritis or scleritis	Consult a doctor immediately
Pain	Scleritis	Seek urgent medical care
Sensitivity to Light	Uveitis	Wear sunglasses, see a doctor
Blurred Vision	Inflammation	Get a professional diagnosis

Protecting your eyes is an essential part of managing RA. Don’t hesitate to take proactive steps to improve your vision and health.