Rheumatoid Arthritis Columbia SC

About 2.1 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis and suffer from symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness. Fortunately, most people with rheumatoid arthritis will not develop eye problems, but some will.

Rheumatoid arthritis may be more likely to affect your eyes if it isn't under control, or it's at an advanced stage. If you've had rheumatoid arthritis from a young age or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, you may also be more prone to developing an eye problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic these are the eye problems you could develop if you have arthritis:

• Dry eyes. This is more likely if you also have Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that affects about 30 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Dry eyes can lead to corneal abrasions and infections. The condition can be treated with lubricating eye drops or artificial tears.

• Cataracts. Inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis can cause clouding of the lens in the eye. Using topical corticosteroid drops to treat other arthritis-related eye diseases may also lead to cataracts. Symptoms include cloudy, blurred or dim vision. Cataracts must be surgically removed.

• Glaucoma. If your eyes become inflamed it can inhibit the eye's drainage system, which can lead to glaucoma, or even blindness. Symptoms to watch for include blurred vision, eye pain and gradual loss of vision. Treatments include prescription eye drops, oral medications, or even surgery...

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