- With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
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April Chang-Miller, M.D.
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Dr. April Chang-Miller is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Chang-Miller's primary field is rheumatology with special interests in inflammatory joint diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. She also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The New York City native is a graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine and had been with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., between 1991 and 2002 when she relocated to Mayo Clinic, Arizona. She is a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and has been on the board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter.
Complications (2)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the lungs?
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the eyes?
Treatments and drugs (4)
- Botox injections: Can they relieve arthritis pain?
- Hip resurfacing: An alternative to conventional hip replacement?
- Arthritis pain medications: Do they raise blood pressure?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Do certain foods reduce symptoms?
- MSM for arthritis pain: Is it safe?
- Water exercise for arthritis: Does pool temperature matter?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (2)
- Yucca: Can it relieve arthritis pain?
- Mangosteen juice: Can it relieve arthritis pain?
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Question
Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the eyes?
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect the eyes?
Answer
from April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a bone and joint disease. However, rheumatoid arthritis occasionally affects other parts of the body — including the eyes. Eye conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis may include:
- Dry eyes. Generally, artificial tears can ease the discomfort of dry eyes. It's important to note that dry eyes can also be a symptom of Sjogren's syndrome — an autoimmune disorder that's often associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Inflammation of the interior of the eye (uveitis). Uveitis may cause eye redness and pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Treatment may include corticosteroid eyedrops and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Inflammation of the white part of the eye (scleritis). Scleritis is usually characterized by constant, severe eye pain. Treatment may include corticosteroid eyedrops and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Inflammation of the membrane covering the white part of the eye (episcleritis). Episcleritis may cause sudden eye discomfort or redness. Treatment may include eye lubricants, corticosteroid eyedrops and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Glaucoma. Inflammation within the eye can affect the eye's drainage system, ultimately leading to glaucoma — a condition that can result in blindness. Depending on the type of glaucoma, signs and symptoms may include gradual vision loss, eye pain or blurred vision. Treatment may include medicated eyedrops or oral medications. In some cases, surgery is needed.
- Cataracts. Several factors may lead to clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye (cataracts), including inflammation within the eye and long-term use of topical corticosteroid drops — often prescribed to treat other eye problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Signs and symptoms may include cloudy, blurred or dim vision. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the clouded lens.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience eye pain, vision changes or other eye problems, consult an ophthalmologist for an evaluation. Also consult your rheumatologist. Early treatment can help prevent vision-threatening complications.
Next questionBotox injections: Can they relieve arthritis pain?
- Dana MR. Ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
- Stone JH, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of scleritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
- Stone JH, et al. Treatment of scleritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
- Stone JH, et al. Episcleritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
