Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Dry Eye?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, chronic disease affecting 1-2% of the population. It's a form of inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease.

In an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy tissue, creating inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the membrane that lines our joints, resulting in swelling and pain in and around the joints. Age, being female, family history and smoking are all risk factors for RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also impact the eyes. Because of the underlying inflammation, those with RA are more likely to get dry eye disease, episcleritis and scleritis (painful inflammation of the white of the eye) and corneal ulcers.

A good optometrist can work with you and your rheumatologist to help manage any eye problems you're having in association with your Rheumatoid arthritis.

TOP TIP: The anti-inflammatory impact of Omega-3 Supplementation is beneficial in dry eye disease but may also be beneficial in RA.