Cataracts
My vision has gotten really bad and last week I had an eye appointment. I was told I have cataracts in both eyes. He said I'm to young so there is a reason why. He told me my RA inflammation was probably the cause. Has anyone else had this problem?
, first, I am sorry you are dealing with cataracts in both eyes. Eye issues can occur with RA, so your doctor may be on to something. Cataracts can be caused by the medications used to treat RA symptoms. You can read more about that here -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/red-eye-not-always-overnight-flight. And here's another piece -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ra-tag-alongs. Both articles discuss a number of comorbidities, including cataracts.
Just to be safe, though, I hope your doctor rules out other possible causes of your cataracts.
And, I hope you get feedback from other community members as well, because I know at least a few of them have had to deal with cataracts.
Thanks for reaching out and I hope this information is helpful for you!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Thank you for the articles and I see my rheumatologist in a couple weeks. I will let you know how that goes.
I to was diagnosed with cataracts at was described to me as "early age". It's been 5 years now and my eye sight is of course getting worse, I am hoping it's time for surgery. I have seen and help others that have had to have the cataracts removed, theirs being caused more so from general aging, it's an outpatient surgery and recovery is quite fast compared to other types of surgeries. You did not mention what type of eye doctor you went to. If it was an Optometrist (general eye doctor) he / she generally would have referred you to an Ophthalmologist if he/she felt like the cataracts were at the point of removal, but contacting he eye doctor back and directly asking if you should go see an Ophthalmologist would not be a bad idea. If you seen an Ophthalmologist then of he/she would have let you know it was time to treat / remove them I would hope. Always a good idea to keep all your doctors informed of any type of issues that arise so they can address this when prescribing meds and genral care they give you.
A little something I did learn just this week in reference to eye care for my own need and not having Eye Insurance, was that because of my RA, and medications that have side effects such as "dry eyes" and long term use of steroids which is a big contributor to cataracts also, I found out that my Medical Insurance will cover visits to the Ophthalmologist and any additional care that is needed for my eyes. I call this a great big WIN for me...
I wish you a lot of luck.. Doris
Thanks for sharing such great advice and reassurances, Doris (
). My mother and a couple of my siblings (I have many!) have had cataract surgery and they also had easy and quick recoveries. How awesome that your medical insurance will cover the ophthalmologist! I hope you get surgery and improved vision soon. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Good luck
I have had cataracts in both eyes. Just got permission to get the surgery after waiting 9 yrs. When I was diagnosed I was told it was genetic and it would take a long time before they would get big enough for surgery.
, I am glad you are able to get the surgery! My husband was very happy with his results post surgery. He was really good about following the post-surgery regimen religiously, which helped.
I hope you have a very smooth surgery, an easy recovery, and see great results from the procedure!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
