Prevalence and predictors of ocular manifestations of RA: is there a need for routine screening?

Abstract

Visual impairment does not appear to be particularly prevalent in RA, obviating the need for a screening programme. Utilization of the VFQ-25 as a screening tool in RA requires further consideration. The high prevalence of cataracts in participants on steroids emphasizes the need to prescribe the minimum required dose. The high prevalence of dry eyes suggests that a Schirmer's test should be performed regularly, with prescription of artificial tears if required.

Ocular manifestations in a community-based cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

“…It is possible that a low‐grade inflammatory process, due to the presence of auto‐antibodies for lacrimal tissue, impairs adequate tear production. Asymptomatic dry eyes have been noted with high prevalence in other systemic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis 17. In our IBD patients with dry eyes, just under half had symptoms, so routine questions about eye symptoms would only detect a minority of patients in the GI office.…”

Sicca symptoms, and lacrimal and salivary flow in Albanian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…Sicca symptoms were also common in this study. Piper et al found decreased lacrimal flow in 70.7% of the RA patients attending a screening clinic (18).…”

An evaluation of dry eye symptoms and signs in a cohort of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

“…Severe aqueous tear deficiency leading to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is assumed to be rare in childhood. Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) with symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth is seldom seen in children: the prevalence is assumed to be about 5% in juvenile rheumatic diseases 3–5…”