Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is often characterized by the presence of inflammation in the body. This inflammation is often found in the joints but it is not uncommon that a consequence of this disease is reflected in ocular inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis and Dry eyes

Rheumatoid arthritis and eye inflammation

Inflammation of the eyes causes a lot of eye problems. It is now well established that ocular inflammation often causes dry eyes. In return, dry eye will increase the inflammation which will further exacerbate this eye dryness. For this reason it is not uncommon to see that people with rheumatoid arthritis can also and unfortunately suffer from dry eye.

Sensation like if something is in your eyes

One of the most common manifestations of dry eye is this incredible disconcerting sensation of grain of sand in the eyes. Although nothing is in your eyes but you are still feeling this very disturbing sensation. This unpleasant sensation of foreign body in the eye is often accompanied by ocular redness.

Reduce ocular inflammation

If you have to deal with rheumatoid arthritis and eye inflammation causes problems with your eyes, talk to your rheumatologist and / or eye care professional. In addition to corticosteroid eye drops that act quickly on inflammation, you may be prescribed cyclosporine eye drops known as Restasis. The mechanism of action of this drug is to reduce ocular inflammation thus promoting normal tear production. It aims to break the circle of ocular dryness either inflammation-dryness-inflammation, etc.

It is important to fight eye inflammation because it is this inflammation that can cause gland’s dysfunction that are responsible for producing the substances that are important for a healthy tear film. In severe cases of ocular dryness with significant inflammation, it is not uncommon to see doctors prescribing a short-term cortisone anti-inflammatory and cyclosporine in the long term.

Joint Diseases and Dry Eyes

So even though rheumatoid arthritis is more a joint disease , it can have a significant impact on your eyes health. If you have eye complications from rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your rheumatologist. He can then refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Relieve your dry eye symptoms

• Of course, there are artificial tears. If you have rheumatoid arthritis you should probably use it more often. So make sure your artificial tears do not contain any preservatives.
• The use of a cold compress is effective in reducing eye redness and decreasing inflammation of the eyes. If your rheumatologist or ophthalmologist suggests that the use of cold compresses is suitable for you, you can find them here at the Dry Eye Store.
• On the other hand, the hot compress is ideal to promote the proper functioning of the glands responsible for producing the lipid that is part of tears composition.
• Do not forget that you can feel immense symptoms relief by simply wearing eyeglasses for dry eye. These glasses allow to trap moisture and greatly reduce the influx of air in the eyes area. There is an array of styles to suit all tastes.
• Omega 3s are natural anti-inflammatories and are often prescribed to people with rheumatoid arthritis because of their property to act against inflammation. For this reason, people who suffer from dry eye are often also encouraged to take Omega 3.
• Ladies, rheumatoid arthritis has direct consequences on your eyes. Do not make things worse by using any cheap makeup in the eyes area. Use only a mascara or eyeliner specially designed for sensitive eyes.
• Finally, if you have dry eyes at night, then read this article!

Information on rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease responsable of a chronic inflammation of the joints in the body. You can feel pain and swelling in the joints that are affected. This disease is part of the so-called autoimmune diseases because it is the result of a failure of the immune system that attacks the joints wrongly.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms of this autoimmune disease are often morning joint stiffness in several joints and / or persists even at night. A feeling of weakness or fatigue often accompanies these stiff joints.

Symptoms vary in intensity from one person to another. Indeed, there may be flare-ups accompanied by pain and periods of remission.

Inflammation results in more severe cases in a joint deformation as shown in the picture above. When this deformation is present, it makes the movements of the joints much more difficult and painful.

Non-articular rheumatoid arthritis

It seems that about 2 in 10 people with rheumatoid arthritis will have small bumps under the skin. Sometimes inflammation can also occur in the area of the heart and lungs. Dry eyes and mouth are also possible complications of this disease. However, it should not be confused with Gougerot-Sjogren syndrome, another inflammatory disease. For this reason, it is very important to consult your doctor who will definitely refer to a rheumatologist.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis

Like the majority of autoimmune diseases, this disease can not be cured. As with dry eye, however, there are ways to limit the damages.

Rheumatoid arthritis medication

Medicines have the effect of alleviating the inflammatory symptoms of the disease and reducing or slowing its progression. These medications can be taken in tablets or injected. I will repeat myself ! … Consult your doctor!

Physical activities and rheumatoid arthritis

Regular physical activity such as walking, swimming and cycling can improve the symptoms of the disease. A physical training professional can assist you so that you can safely practice physical exercises adapted to your condition. In addition, by maintaining a healthy weight, you will avoid unnecessary overloading of your joints.

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