{"id":16916,"date":"2021-08-22T17:45:23","date_gmt":"2021-08-22T17:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=16916"},"modified":"2021-08-22T17:58:02","modified_gmt":"2021-08-22T17:58:02","slug":"can-arthritis-affect-the-eyes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-health\/9-ways-eyes-change-with-age\/can-arthritis-affect-the-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Arthritis Affect the Eyes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Worldwide, over 350 million people suffer from arthritis\u2014impacting the lives of up to 25% of all adults.<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the U.S alone, almost 1 in 4 adults are diagnosed with this inflammatory disease.<\/p>\n

What is arthritis?<\/b><\/h1>\n

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints and is known for its effect on physical activity and quality of life.<\/p>\n

This inflammatory disease targets the body\u2019s connective tissue which is comprised of collagen, the main protein in the body found in the muscles, bones, tendons, and skin.<\/p>\n

Collagen is also the main component of the sclera and cornea of the eye<\/a>. As a result, many people with arthritis also suffer from eye conditions that can affect their clear vision and sometimes even threaten vision loss.<\/p>\n

There are a range of successful options to treat the eye conditions caused by arthritis.<\/p>\n

Types of arthritis<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are many different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most common.<\/p>\n

Osteoarthritis <\/b>causes joint pain from long-term overuse and is generally diagnosed among the older population.<\/p>\n

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)<\/b> is an autoimmune disease that affects people of all ages. Autoimmune diseases incite a bodily response in which the body attacks itself, including its healthy tissues.<\/p>\n

Other types of arthritis include:<\/p>\n