Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been associated with eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, and dry eyes, among others. Several treatment options may help relieve symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
PsA most commonly causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in your joints as well as scaly, itchy skin lesions.
However, in some cases, PsA may also affect your eyes. This may cause uncomfortable symptoms and lead to several complications, such as vision loss.
Keep reading to learn more about eye conditions that are associated with PsA and how they are treated.
Research suggests that up to 70% of people living with psoriasis experience eye-related symptoms, such as:
- red eyes
- itchy eyes
- dry eyes
- feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
- difficulty focusing or blurry vision
- pain or sensitivity, especially in reaction to bright light
In people with PsA, these symptoms may be caused by the condition’s inflammation, an eye condition, or other causes unrelated to PsA. For example, dry eyes and blurred vision are symptoms of Sjögren’s disease, which may affect people with PsA.
If you experience eye symptoms and PsA, it’s important to get an assessment from a healthcare professional like an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They could diagnose the underlying cause and provide a treatment plan.
When are PsA eye symptoms an emergency?
It’s important to get immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- sudden loss of vision
- new or large floaters
- flashing lights in your vision
These may be a sign of retinal detachment, which requires immediate treatment.
Typically, the surface of your eye is covered by a
However, if your eyes don’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly, you may experience dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eyes may
- redness
- burning or stinging in the eyes
- scratchy, sandy, or irritated feeling in the eyes
- stringy mucus in the eyes
- blurry vision
- eye fatigue
In some cases, dry eye may develop without noticeable symptoms, which can occur in Sjögren’s disease.
Treatment for dry eyes will depend on several factors, such as the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. This may
- over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears or eye drops
- at-home remedies, such as warm compresses
- prescription eye drops, ointments, or oral medications
- tear duct plugs to help keep tears in your eyes for longer
If meibomian gland dysfunction is causing dry eyes, treatment will focus on unblocking your eyelid glands. This may include topical, oral, or eye drop medications like antibiotics or steroids. It may also include at-home remedies like warm compresses and regular eyelid hygiene.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7% of people with PsA will develop uveitis.
Uveitis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the uvea of the eye. The uvea is the middle layer of your eye and includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
Uveitis can affect all or some parts of your uvea.
For example, anterior uveitis is a type of uveitis that affects only the iris, also known as iritis. It occurs when white blood cells collect in the anterior chamber of the eye.
Symptoms of uveitis may include:
- eye pain
- eye redness
- blurry vision
- floaters in your field of vision
- sensitivity to light
Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications, such as:
Conjunctivitis is inflammation that occurs in the conjunctiva of the eye. It’s sometimes known as pink eye, especially when it results from an infection.
The conjunctiva is a thin layer of tissue that covers the whites of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. When it gets inflamed, the edges of the whites of your eyes become red and irritated.
- systemic inflammation
- increased cytokine production
- tear film and conjunctival surface instability
- meibomian glands disruption
Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include:
- pinkness or redness in the white of your eye
- itchy or burning feeling in your eye
- sticky discharge from your eye
- crusty matter stuck to your eyelashes after sleeping
Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. If a doctor suspects you have conjunctivitis due to a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotic eye drops.
In other cases, they may recommend lubricating or steroid eye drops to reduce symptoms until the condition resolves on its own.
Ectropion occurs when the bottom eyelid turns outwards.
If you have skin psoriasis as well as PsA, scaly patches may develop on your face, around your eyes, and on your eyelids. This can potentially change the shape of your eyelids. In some cases, it can result in ectropion.
Symptoms of ectropion may include:
- visible drooping of your lower eyelid
- eye dryness
- excessive tearing
- itchy or gritty feeling in your eye
- sensitivity to wind and bright light
Treatment for ectropion may involve surgery. A doctor will remove extra skin and reshape your eyelid back to normal.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice a change in your vision or how your eyes are feeling.
They can help you identify the cause of your eye symptoms, such as whether it’s related to PsA or another medical condition.
Leaving an eye condition untreated may put you at risk of complications, including vision loss in severe cases.
Can psoriatic arthritis affect the eyes?
Yes, psoriatic arthritis has been associated with several eye conditions, including dry eyes, uveitis, and conjunctivitis, among others.
What are the red flags of psoriatic arthritis?
The most common psoriatic arthritis (PsA) symptoms to look out for include swelling, stiffness, and pain that affect the joints in your knees, fingers, and toes. Other symptoms may include nail pitting and dactylitis, which is when your fingers resemble sausages.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis in the eyes?
Symptoms of psoriasis that affect your eyes
What is the life expectancy of a person with psoriatic arthritis?
A
That said, PsA affects everyone differently. Speak with a healthcare professional about your outlook.
Although PsA is mainly associated with pain and inflammation of the joints, it may also increase your chance of developing certain eye conditions.
If you develop symptoms of inflammation or other problems in your eyes, contact a doctor or eye care professional. They can help develop a plan to relieve the symptoms and keep your eyes healthy.
PsA is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes stiff and painful joints, back pain, swollen fingers, and other symptoms. A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats diseases that affect the bones, joints, and muscles. They may partner with your primary care doctor to monitor PsA progression and prescribe treatments such as lifestyle changes and medication.
Many people with PsA have already been diagnosed with psoriasis, which causes inflamed skin patches that can be painful or itchy. You may already work with a dermatologist, who specializes in assessing and managing skin conditions with treatments such as light therapy or medication.
PsA can cause uveitis, which is inflammation in the eye that may cause pain, redness, and vision changes. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye health. They examine your eyes and prescribe treatment such as medication if necessary.
People with PsA have increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes symptoms such as cramps and diarrhea. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They may prescribe medication or adjust your regimen, since some PsA medications also treat IBD.
An occupational therapist evaluates your ability to perform daily activities and meet your goals. They may adjust your tasks and environment or recommend assistive devices to help improve quality of life with PsA. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen muscles, maintain range of motion, and promote joint stability. They may use techniques like cold therapy or massage to ease joint pain.
Obesity promotes inflammation and adds stress to your joints, which can aggravate PsA symptoms and increase the risk of complications. A well-managed diet may help you lose weight, lower inflammation, and support overall health. A registered dietitian can design a sustainable, balanced diet plan.
People with PsA have increased risk of anxiety and depression. And psychological stress may impact PsA symptoms. A psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed counselor diagnoses and treats mental health conditions with psychotherapy. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed.
PsA increases heart disease risk. A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. They may order tests and prescribe treatments, such as lifestyle changes or medication, to protect your heart.