If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you're probably aware of the joint inflammation and discomfort it may bring. But did you know that some patients with PsA experience ocular inflammation?
Inflammation is swelling that occurs as a consequence of an immunological reaction in numerous places of your body. It's a typical and healthy reaction to an accident or illness, and it should cease once your body begins to recover.
However, with inflammatory disorders like psoriasis and PsA, your immune system targets normally healthy sections of your body. This results in persistent inflammation.
In certain situations, you may get eye irritation. This may result in unpleasant symptoms. It may cause eyesight loss in extreme circumstances.
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Continue reading to learn about some eye symptoms and illnesses that may afflict PsA patients.
Symptoms in the Eyes
PsA patients may have ocular issues that result in symptoms such as:
- Red eyes
- Irritated eyes
- Dry eyes or a grit or sand sensation in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Pain or sensitivity, particularly in response to strong light
Inflammation caused by PsA sometimes induces these symptoms. In other circumstances, ocular symptoms may be caused by an eye problem or another reason unrelated to PsA.
If you see new or huge floaters or flashing lights in your field of vision, this might indicate a medical problem that needs quick attention. Small specks, lines, or other forms that move across the field of vision are known as floaters.
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What Exactly Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough or the correct kind of tears. This might make blinking bother your eyes.
Typical dry eye symptoms include:
- Eye redness, burning, or stinging
- Scratchy or uncomfortable sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in the eyes
Dry eye might develop without any obvious symptoms in certain circumstances. This may happen in Sjögren's syndrome, a disorder that affects certain people with PsA.
Your doctor's suggested treatment approach for dry eyes will depend on the degree and reason.
Treatment
If you have signs of an eye issue, your suggested therapy will be determined by the specific symptoms you are experiencing as well as their source.
The treatment strategy prescribed by your doctor will seek to ease your symptoms, address the underlying cause of your problems, or both.
Eye drops are used to treat a variety of eye disorders. Your doctor may prescribe steroids, antibiotics, or lubricating eye drops based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
Your doctor may offer oral medicine, surgery, or other therapies in certain circumstances.
If you're also suffering a flare-up due to PsA symptoms, your doctor may advise you to take anti-inflammatory medications. This may assist with joint and ocular irritation.
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When Should You Visit a Doctor?
If you detect a change in your vision or how your eyes feel, you should discuss it with your doctor or an eye care specialist.
They may assist you in determining the source of your eye issues. It's conceivable that PsA or another medical problem is causing the symptom.
Your doctor may also assist you in developing a treatment plan for any eye issues that arise. If you ignore an eye issue, you may develop consequences, including vision loss in extreme situations.
The Main Point
Although PsA is most often linked with joint pain and inflammation, inflammation may develop in other places of your body as well.
This may raise your risk of some eye disorders and other inflammatory illnesses, including Sjögren's syndrome.
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Contact your doctor or an eye care specialist if you have signs of inflammation or other issues with your eyes. They can assist you in developing a strategy to alleviate your symptoms and maintain healthy eyes.
