Arthritis symptoms: The six lesser-known early symptoms found in your eyes – what to spot

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS is a common complaint characterised by painful joint symptoms including stiffness and swelling. If left untreated, an inflammatory type of arthritis can inflame the blood vessels, a complication that can prove life-threatening. The eyes could determine your risk to the condition with any of these six being major warnings.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis occasionally affects other parts of the body — including the eyes. One of the more common complications for those suffering with arthritis relates to eye problems. This has the potential to lead to corneal damage which ultimately directly affects your vision if left untreated.

Health experts strongly recommend spotting the potential link to your eye problems and arthritis to ensure quicker treatment avoiding permanent damage.

                 Arthritis symptoms: The six symptoms to spot in your eyes (Image: Getty Images)

According to Bausch and Lomb, the six symptoms found in the eyes can include:

• Eye redness
• Eye pain
• Eye dryness
• Blurred vision
• Dry/gritty feeling in eyes
• Sensitivity to light.

Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes do not produce adequate tears, leading to redness and irritation, added the health site.

Arthritis symptoms: Dry eyes is the most common complaint of symptoms found in the eyes (Image: Getty Images)

“Scleritis affects the sclera, or white portion of the eye, causing pain and inflammation.

“Uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the uvea, or inner portion of the eye." 

Other body parts affected by arthritis include:

• The skin
• The mouth
• The lungs
• The heart
• The nerves.

The symptoms will depend upon the part of the body affected.

According to Vasculitis UK, skin rashes and ulcers are a common problem.

"Involvement of the nerves usually causes numbness or tingling and 'pins and needles' symptoms, muscle weakness may also develop," explains the health body.

"Inflammation may develop around the outside of the heart (pericarditis) which can cause chest pain."

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1499679/arthritis-symptoms-eyes-redness-pain-dry-blurred-vison-gritty-sensitivity