The eyes are often called the window to the soul, and keeping them healthy is important. Did you know that living with arthritis can also impact your vision? As a former ophthalmic tech and apprentice optician, I’ve always been fascinated by the eye’s beauty and complexity—seeing the back of the eye during exams never failed to amaze me.
Many people living with arthritis or those taking arthritis medications don’t realize there’s a significant link between joint inflammation and eye health. Increased inflammation isn’t just limited to joints; it can also affect your eyes in surprising ways.
Certain arthritis medications, especially some biologics and immunosuppressants, can cause side effects like dry eyes, eye irritation, or blurred vision. Sometimes, the medications themselves trigger inflammation that affects ocular tissues. And other times, underlying conditions associated with arthritis, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, directly impact the eyes by reducing tear production, leading to dry, itchy, or gritty eyes.
I personally experience dry eye issues, and at one point, my eye doctor recommended I get tested for Sjögren’s syndrome. There is no specific test to determine if you have Sjogren’s but at the time I was told I most likely did not have it
If you have arthritis or are on medication for it, it’s important to pay attention to your eye health. Regular eye exams and open communication with your healthcare provider can help catch issues early and keep your vision clear. Remember, your eyes and your joints may be connected more than you think!
If you have Arthritis or know someone who does or is a caregiver of someone who lives with Arthritis any form the Arthritis foundation has a group for you and them from the newly diagnosed to various topics to groups by state please check out
http://www.connectgroups.arthritis.org
You can belong to one or several groups. I am a facilitator for the Central Fla. connect group. I am also a cop facilitator for the Osteonecrosis National Connect Group
Eye Care Tips for Arthritis Patients
- Schedule regular eye exams to catch issues early.
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness.
- Protect your eyes from wind, sun, and screens—wear sunglasses and take breaks from digital devices.
- Keep your eyelids clean to prevent irritation or infection.
- If you notice redness, pain, vision changes, or dryness worsening, see your eye doctor promptly.
- Manage your arthritis to reduce overall inflammation, which can benefit your eye health.
How Arthritis Affects the Eyes:
- Dry Eyes: Inflammation from RA can reduce tear production, leading to dry, irritated, and itchy eyes.
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera (the white outer layer of the eye) can cause pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye) can lead to pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye due to inflammation can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens can occur, affecting vision.
- Retinal vascular occlusion: Blockage of blood vessels in the retina can cause vision loss.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Redness, Pain, Dryness, Itching, Light sensitivity, Blurred vision, and Vision changes.
Links and references
Arthritis foundation
American Academy of ophthalmology
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/arthritis-eyes-inflammation-steroids
Joint Purpose 
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