Decode Dry Eye | Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Hidden Impact on Your Eyes
Mrs. Radha’s Story: A Silent Symptom of RA
Mrs. Radha, a 62-year-old grandmother, had been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for over a decade. Since her joint pain had eased in recent years, she decided to stop her medications without consulting her doctor. She thought her RA was under control—until subtle new problems began to emerge.
Her eyes felt gritty and dry, and no amount of over-the-counter eye drops seemed to help. Even during emotional moments, she found herself unable to shed tears, which puzzled her family. Outwardly, her eyes appeared normal, but the discomfort persisted.
Seeking answers, Mrs. Radha visited CODE Eye Care for a checkup. Here, the specialists identified severely reduced tear production, caused by Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS), a condition often linked to RA. A follow-up evaluation by her rheumatologist revealed that her RA was still active, affecting other organs silently.
The Silent Connection: RA and Dry Eye
Mrs. Radha’s story underscores a critical truth: Rheumatoid Arthritis is more than just joint pain. It can affect multiple organs, including the eyes and salivary glands, leading to dryness and significant discomfort if left unchecked.
How RA Leads to Dry Eye:
- Immune System Attack: In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, including the tear glands.
- Reduced Tear Production: Damage to the lacrimal glands results in insufficient tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms.
- Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome: RA is a common cause of this autoimmune disorder, which further exacerbates dry eye.
The Importance of Early Detection
Dry eye may seem like a minor inconvenience, but untreated dryness can lead to chronic inflammation, corneal damage, and even vision loss. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
If you have been diagnosed with RA or any autoimmune condition that could lead to Sjogren’s Syndrome, early screening for dry eye by a specialist is crucial.
How CODE Eye Care Can Help
At CODE Eye Care, we specialize in understanding and managing complex conditions like RA-associated dry eye. With cutting-edge diagnostics and tailored treatment plans, we aim to improve not just your symptoms but also your quality of life.
Here’s what we offer:
- Comprehensive Eye Assessments: Advanced tests to evaluate tear production and ocular surface health.
- Collaborative Care: Close coordination with rheumatologists to address systemic conditions like RA.
- Personalized Treatments: From therapeutic eye drops to innovative procedures, we ensure your care is customized.
Don’t Let Dry Eye Compromise Your Quality of Life
If you have RA or experience dry eye symptoms, seek expert care today. Decode the cause of your dryness with CODE Eye Care’s expert team.
Book your consultation now to receive the care you deserve and uncover the hidden connections between your health and your eyes.
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