Vision & Arthritis

Arthritis is a health condition that affects millions of people every year, but most of them don’t know that it can affect their eyes as well as their joints. A Miami Beach eye doctor commonly sees arthritic patients who have vision problems and never suspected that it would be the cause of them. Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissues, which includes tissues in the eye. Those who have been diagnosed with any form or arthritis need to be sure they are seeing their optometrist in Miami Beach as often as they are told to come in for an exam. Sometimes, people with severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis need to be examined two or three times per year just to be sure their vision remains intact.

Vision Problems That Arthritis Can Cause

If you were to ask your doctor in Miami Beach what types of vision issues arthritis can cause, you are likely going to hear a number of conditions. Here are the most common arthritis-related conditions that can negatively affect vision:

● Dry eye syndrome. This is common in arthritic patients because their medications often cause an imbalance in their body chemistry that results in dry eyes.

● Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. Certain forms of arthritis can cause the sclera to become too thin, which leaves it susceptible to damage.

● Retinal vascular occlusion. This is where the blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked, resulting in damage to the retina.

● Glaucoma. People who have arthritis are prone to developing glaucoma, which is a condition related to the pressure inside the eye.

Preserving Vision Even With Arthritis

Even if you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are still things you can do to retain quality vision. It may take some time for your arthritis to begin affecting other parts of your body, during which you can take preventative measures to ensure your eyes remain healthy. The steps you will need to take to prevent future vision damage depends on what type of arthritis you have been diagnosed with, so it’s best to speak with your eye doctor in Miami about exactly what you can do for your situation. If you are made aware of what vision problems you are susceptible to because of your arthritis, then you can take the right steps to preserve your quality of sight.

photo credit: 29-1/365 Daddy Look at My Eye! via photopin (license)