Ocular Involvement in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of various ocular involvements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to asssess the relation to immunological alterations. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 70 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. All patients fulfill the criteria of American College of Rheumatology and the European League against Rheumatism for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Serum samples for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were obtained. The lacrimal secretion was measured in all patients by Schirmer’s test. The patients were referred to the Ophthalmologist for examination of the eyes and interpretation of the related findings. Results: Ocular manifestations were identified in 13 (19%) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca was identified in 9 (13%) patients, episcleritis in 2 (3%) patients and scleritis in 2 (3%) patients. Patients with positive rheumatiod factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, were 42 (100.0%) of whom 10 (23.8%) represent ocular lesions, while in the other group of 28 (100.0%) patients seronegative only 3 (10.7%) patients have ocular lesions. Conclusion: Ocular involvement are common in rheumatoid arthrits. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis and scleritis are ocular manifestations that occur in rheumatoid arthritis. The most common ocular manifestation was keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Immunological alterations are important factors in ocular manifestations.