"Could Eye Pain Be a Symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis?"

Eye Pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eye pain does not necessarily indicate rheumatoid arthritis, as there are numerous causes for ocular discomfort, including trauma, visual fatigue, dry eye syndrome, painful ophthalmoplegia, ocular infections, and immune-mediated diseases. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, timely consultation with a rheumatologist or immunologist and targeted treatment are advised.

1. Trauma

Eye pain can result from trauma, such as contusions or lacerations to the eyeball, potentially causing decreased vision in severe cases.

2. Visual Fatigue

Prolonged use of electronic devices or reading in poor lighting conditions can lead to eye strain, manifesting as soreness, pain, and blurred vision.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome

Frequent late-night activities or poor sleep habits can cause dry eyes, accompanied by symptoms like soreness, discomfort, and dryness.

4. Painful Ophthalmoplegia

Neurological complications stemming from conditions like diabetes and hypertension can lead to painful ophthalmoplegia, presenting with eye pain, headaches, and facial numbness.

5. Ocular Infections

Conjunctivitis, caused by bacterial or viral infections, can induce stinging and dryness sensations, with high contagiousness through airborne droplets. Keratitis, another infection, arises from trauma or viral invasion, also posing a transmission risk.

6. Immune-Mediated Diseases

Diseases like Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifest with eye pain, dryness, and foreign body sensations, typically without joint destruction.

Apart from the aforementioned, orbital hemangiomas or tumor compression on optic nerves can also trigger eye pain. Additionally, orbital cellulitis and optic nerve involvement due to apical thrombosis can cause ocular discomfort.