Study of Factors Influencing Dry Eye in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Purpose. The present study investigated the relationship between dry eye and the disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients with RA were divided by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) into the symptomatic group (score ≥ 12) and the asymptomatic group (score < 12). By using the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) questionnaire, they were divided into the active group (score > 2.6) and the stable group (score ≤ 2.6). In the control group, 20 healthy adults with matched sex and age were selected. RA patients and healthy adults were inspected for the tear film break time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian scan (MS), meibomian gland secretion score (MSS), and eyelid margin assessment (EMS). Results. The TBUT of the RA group was significantly less than that of the control group, while the CFS, MS, EMS, and MSS were higher. The TBUT of the symptomatic RA group was significantly less than that of the asymptomatic group, and the CFS was higher. In the active RA group, only the CFS was higher than that of the stable group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups for other parameters. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the course of RA and the dry eye (P>0.05). Conclusion. The rheumatoid activity does not necessarily lead to an aggravation of dry eye. Regardless of the duration, RA was not found to exhibit relation with the severity of dry eye. Translational Relevance. RA patients with disease active period cannot be ignored for the existence of dry eye, since patients with dry eye often lack the signs and symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated with Dry Eye Disease and Corneal Surface Damage: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study

“…A recent meta-analysis reported that DED is the most common ocular manifestation of RA with an estimated prevalence of 16%, which is slightly lower than our results [ 33 ]. Additionally, our study identified several risk factors for DED and corneal surface damages associated with RA, which were not reported in previous studies [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. These findings might be useful in the risk stratification and early prevention for serious ocular complications.…”

“…The relationship between RA and DED or corneal surface damages is still not fully clarified due to some methodological limitations of previous studies, including a small sample size ( n < 1000) [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], insufficient adjustment for confounders [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 23 ], and restriction to specific medical institutions [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 ] or populations [ 19 , 20 ]. Furthermore, relevant risk factors for corneal surface damage among patients with RA remain largely unknown.…”

“…In addition, we also sought to identify independent factors for corneal diseases associated with RA. Based on the current evidence [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], we hypothesized that RA was associated with more aqueous-deficient DED and corneal surface damage in the nationwide autoimmune population.…”

Romatoid Artritte Göz Bulguları: Retrospektif Çalışma

“…In the biomicroscopic examination of the eye, the maximum effect is in the deep episcleral mesh and some in the superficial episcleral mesh. Treatment of scleritis requires regular therapy such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or corticosteroids (5,13). Posterior scleritis or scleromalacia of the cornea were not detected in the observed patient group.…”

“…Some patients report that attacks are more common in the spring or autumn. Patients suffering from nodular episcleritis typically have prolonged episodes of inflammation that are more painful than simple episcleritis (5,6,11). The use of artificial tears may be beneficial for patients with mild symptoms.…”