Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is often thought of as a condition that only affects the joints — but that’s far from the whole story. RA is a systemic autoimmune condition, and it can quietly impact other parts of the body, including one we often overlook: our eyes.
Recently, I experienced this firsthand when what I assumed was a simple allergy turned out to be Uveitis, a painful and alarming eye inflammation. This post begins a new series on how RA affects the body — starting gently, and honestly, with our eyes.
👁️ A Personal Reflection: When My Eyes Spoke Louder Than My Joints
It started around midday on Monday, 7 July 2025. My left eye suddenly became red, sore, and gritty — almost like it was full of sand. I thought it was an allergy, so I tried Brolene eye drops, which my local pharmacist recommended. Once I applied the drops, it made my eyes burn and pain intensely. Thereafter I used a cold compress hoping it would clear. It provided some relief.
By the next day, my vision was blurry and a sticky buildup had formed. I went back to the pharmacy and got some Allergex drops instead and Allergex tablets , thinking that it’s an eye infection or an allergy that would clear up by the next day. I visited my family doctor on day three, as the symptoms just weren’t improving. His diagnosis was Uveitis – a condition I’d never heard of. He prescribed an ointment, (Chloramex) and pain medication to help with the accompanying headaches.
By day five, the symptoms had spread to my right eye. My doctor then prescribed Tobradex (steroid eye drops) and Prednisone, which helped considerably. He also advised that I visit an eye specialist. A week later, I saw an ophthalmologist who confirmed that the inflammation was now conjunctivitis, likely the tail end of the Uveitis. Thankfully, no damage to my eyes were detected, though I may need cataract surgery in the future, was his conclusion. That kind of surgery wasn’t what I wanted to hear about.
Currently, I’m using Optive Plus drops six times a day, which is what the ophthalmologist recommended. He also recommended Optiserum, but I continued with the Optive Plus as it was helping. I’m also supporting my healing with my diet by adding egg yolk, carrots, blueberries and cruciferous vegetables daily. Foods high in vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Lutein, and Zeaxanthan are essential— and I’m also using an eye supplement. I’ve also started gentle eye exercises and I’ll be sharing feedback soon on how these changes are supporting my recovery.
🌟 What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. It often develops slowly and can affect one or both eyes, leading to blurred or dim vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing clearly at night. Cataracts are quite common, especially in people over 60, but they can also develop earlier in those with conditions like RA or who’ve had prolonged steroid treatments.
When my ophthalmologist examined my eyes, he noted that while the inflammation had cleared, early signs of cataract formation were visible — likely a result of the steroid treatment that I had used to manage my RA for over 10 years. Thankfully, it’s being monitored closely, and further tests will determine if or when surgical intervention may be needed.
“If you’re curious about cataracts and how they’re managed, here’s a helpful overview from the Mayo Clinic.”
👉 What Are Cataracts? – Mayo Clinic
🔍 RA and the Eyes: What to Know
RA can cause inflammation in connective tissue, including those found in and around the eyes. Common conditions include:
- Dry Eye Syndrome – burning, gritty feeling, often due to tear gland inflammation
- Episcleritis – mild, non-threatening redness and irritation
- Scleritis – deeper, painful inflammation requiring urgent care
- Uveitis – internal eye inflammation that can affect vision and cause discomfort
👁️ Symptoms to Watch For
- 🔴 Red or painful eyes
- 🌫️ Blurred vision
- 💡 Sensitivity to light
- 🧊 Gritty or sandy feeling
- ⚫ Floaters or pressure
If these symptoms occur, especially alongside RA, don’t wait. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
🧴 Gentle Eye Support Tips
- Use preservative-free eye drops
- Wear sunglasses outdoors
- Avoid direct airflow from fans or heaters
- Stay hydrated
- Practice gentle eye exercises like near/far focusing or figure‑eight movement
- Nourish your eyes with vitamin-rich foods and anti-inflammatory nutrients
📚 Helpful Resources
- 👁️ Eye Exercises for Uveitis – SightConnection
- 🍋 Dr. Berg – Vitamins for Eye Health (YouTube)
- 🌿 Natural Uveitis Remedies – Dr. Axe
- 💧 For Inflamed Eyelids – Dr. Berg
These resources are shared for educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new remedies or supplements.
📖 A Faithful Reflection
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” — Matthew 6:22
I’ve come to appreciate this verse more deeply since this experience. Our eyes not only help us see the world — they also reflect what’s going on inside. RA may challenge our vision, but it cannot cloud the light of God’s presence in our lives.
🙏 Closing Prayer:
Lord, You know every part of our bodies — even those we don’t always think about. Thank You for the gift of sight and for the gentle warning signs our bodies give us. Be with anyone reading this who is experiencing pain or vision changes. Bring healing, restore clarity, and help us to see Your love in every step of our healing journey. Amen.
