Sign of arthritis can be spotted in the eye - what to look for

From express.co.uk

This uncomfortable symptom could also be a lesser-known sign of Parkinson's disease

Millions of Britons are currently living with arthritis and other joint problems. Depending on the type of arthritis you have it can cause issues such as pain, inflammation, joint stiffness and even difficulty moving.

There is no cure for arthritis, however, there are ways to both reduce your risk of the condition and ease symptoms. As with any health issue though the sooner you spot the signs the sooner you can seek the treatment and support you need.

With this in mind an expert spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about a lesser-known sign of rheumatoid arthritis - the second most common form of arthritis.

                                                                                              (Image: Getty Images)

Optometrist Francesca Marchetti from Rohto Dry Aid, warned that dry eye is one warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

She explained: “Dry eye may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as RA is an inflammatory disease. Inflammation from RA can cause abnormalities in the tear glands, significantly reducing fluid production.

“RA is an autoimmune condition and the person may have other autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome which also leads to dry eye.

“Plus the structures of the eye including the sclera and the cornea contain similar proteins to those in the joints such as collagen. This similarity possibly helps to account for the inflammatory physiological changes in both the eye and the joints.”

Dry eye typically affects both eyes and can cause:

• A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye redness
• A sensation of having something in your eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty with night time driving
• Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue.

If you experience these symptoms Francesca advised seeking treatment.

                                            Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis in the UK (Image: Express.co.uk)

“It is essential to get treatment if you have dry eye from any cause, including RA as the eye surface can become scarred and damaged which could if left untreated lead to loss of vision,” she said.

Over-the-counter eye drops may be enough to solve dry eye, however, if it is linked to arthritis you will need to speak to your doctor.

Francesca added that dry eye “may also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease”. She said: “In fact more than 60 percent of patients with Parkinson’s disease suffer from dry eye disease.”

“Parkinson’s disease patients are at increased risk of dry eye due to impaired blinking. Also some of the Parkinson’s disease medications can cause poor and incomplete blinking.”

According to the NHS, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling, warmth and redness around the joints
• Tiredness and a lack of energy
• A high temperature
• Sweating
• A poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry eyes
• Chest pain.

If you experience signs of arthritis you should speak to your GP.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1864667/arthritis-symptoms-dry-eye