Vision issues

Hi Maine Doug ~

It is definitely possible for inflammation to affect your eyes, so if you are having trouble with your vision the best thing you can do is talk to your doctors - both your rheumatologist and ophthalmologist - as soon as possible.

Best,

~Mariah~ (Site Moderator)

I am having vision issues, but mine are a bit different. I have constant dry eyes. All my eye doctor says is to put drops in my eyes 4 times a day. I can't go to another doctor as I am restricted by my insurance. My sight has gotten to the point where I sold my vehicle and quit driving as I couldn't face the possibility that I might hurt someone else. I retired from my job in May of 2015 and was hoping that not being on the computer so much would help. It did help a little.

Yes, it is scary to think that you might go blind. I did lose the sight in one eye in 2008 for a couple of days due to a problem with cataract surgery and that was definitely scary. I live alone and I know it would be difficult for me.

Wow, that is scary. When I was working on the computer all day I knew I had Sjogrens along with RA. My optometrist had me on the prescription Restasis, eye drops 4x a day and a special pair of bifocals. The largest part of glasses is the correction for the computer and the small bifocal part for reading papers at my desk.

She told me that people do not blink as much when they stare at the computer, so try to look away after 15 minutes or so. She also shared with a site to buy goggles surrounded in foam. They block out all light and their are pads with the that can be frozen or heated. This was very restful and gave moisture.

I was also told that due to the RA I was going to need cataract surgery earlier than most people (I am 54) until I went on disability last year she told me I had the driest eyes she ever seen, the corneas were continually scratched and infected. After a year of not spending 8 hours straight on the computer, I had my first report this week of my eyes being in the "middle" range of dryness . No scratches, no infections , but will still need the cataracts out soon as they affect my night vision.

Good Luck,
Mary

Thanks for writing DesertStormTrooper. Sorry to hear that you are having these eye issues. Unfortunately, you are right the inflammation from RA (and autoimmune conditions in general) can affect almost everything. Thought you might be interested in this article from our editorial team looking at the effects of RA on the eyes and vision: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/eye-problems/. In addition, here is one from one of our contributors examining some of the eye issues: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/jeepers-peepers/. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)