Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Blurred Vision? Warning Signs to Know
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause blurred vision? That’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count in my clinic. And honestly, it’s a fair one. When patients come in with joint pain and stiffness, they’re often so focused on managing the physical symptoms that they don’t even think about how their eyes might be involved—until they start seeing things a little… well, blurry. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t just stay in the joints. It can sneak its way into other systems too, and the eyes are no exception. So let’s talk about it.
How RA Affects More Than Just Your Joints
One of the biggest misconceptions I run into is that RA is “just a joint disease.” I mean, I get it—the name kind of makes it sound that way. But in reality, rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune condition. That means your immune system isn’t just attacking your joints—it’s going after multiple parts of your body, and yes, that includes the eyes.
When I’m explaining this to my patients, I often compare RA to a fire alarm that keeps going off even when there’s no smoke. Your immune system thinks it’s helping, but it’s actually causing inflammation in places it shouldn’t—like the lining of your eyes.
What’s Going On Behind the Blurred Vision?
If you’ve ever noticed sudden changes in your vision, it’s not something to brush off—especially if you have RA. Blurred vision could be more than just a sign that you need new glasses. It could be your body’s way of waving a red flag.
Here are a few common eye conditions linked to RA that I regularly see in my practice:
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (a.k.a. dry eye syndrome): Probably the most common eye issue I see in RA patients. It can make your eyes feel gritty, itchy, and yes, blurry. It happens because RA can damage the tear glands, reducing the moisture that protects your eyes.
- Scleritis: This is inflammation of the white part of your eye (the sclera), and it can be extremely painful. Think deep, aching pain behind your eye, and definitely some blurred or cloudy vision.
- Uveitis: This is a more serious inflammatory condition affecting the middle layer of the eye. It can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly, and I’ve had patients who didn’t even know it was RA-related at first.
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Blurred Vision? Let’s Dig Deeper
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? It’s complicated—but treatable if you catch it early. Blurred vision might seem like a minor annoyance, but in the context of RA, it can signal something deeper going on. The immune response that causes inflammation in your joints can do the exact same thing to the structures inside your eyes.
Here’s something I always share with new RA patients: you don’t have to wait until symptoms get bad to start caring for your eyes. In fact, you really shouldn’t. Inflammation builds slowly over time, and the sooner we get it under control, the better your chances of avoiding long-term damage.
Real Talk from the Exam Room
I remember one patient in her early 40s who came in because her knees were flaring up again. She casually mentioned her eyes felt “foggy” and assumed it was just fatigue. But I knew better. After checking her history and referring her to an ophthalmologist, she was diagnosed with episcleritis—a less severe but still uncomfortable eye inflammation linked to her RA.
She was lucky we caught it early, and her vision fully recovered. But not every patient is that lucky. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to even small changes. Blurred vision is never “just nothing.”
Why Eye Health Should Be Part of Every RA Treatment Plan
If you’ve been diagnosed with RA and haven’t had a recent eye exam—this is your sign. Go get it checked. Managing RA takes a team approach, and that includes your eye doctor. I make it a habit to talk about eye symptoms at every follow-up visit. Some of my patients find it odd at first, but once they realize the connection, it all starts to make sense.
Here are a few things I recommend to all my RA patients:
- Get a baseline eye exam when you’re first diagnosed.
- See an ophthalmologist (not just an optometrist) at least once a year—or more if symptoms arise.
- Don’t ignore symptoms like redness, dryness, or blurry vision—report them early.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears if dryness is an issue (but check with your doc first).
- Stay on top of your RA meds—controlling systemic inflammation helps protect your eyes too.
Ultimately, your eyes are just as much a part of the RA journey as your joints are. They deserve the same level of care and attention. I’ve seen the difference it makes when patients are proactive rather than reactive—and trust me, your future self will thank you.
The Medication Connection: RA Treatments and Vision Side Effects
Now let’s talk meds. Because while RA itself can be a culprit behind vision changes, sometimes it’s the treatment doing the heavy lifting in the side effect department. And this part? It’s super important but often overlooked. As a Rheumatology NP, I always make time to review potential ocular side effects with patients starting on new medications. It’s not about scaring people—it’s about being informed and prepared.
Here’s a quick rundown of a few medications that can sometimes impact your vision:
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Okay, this one gets a lot of buzz—and for good reason. It’s a cornerstone DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) for many patients. But it can cause retinal toxicity if used long-term, especially in high doses or if you’ve been on it for years. That’s why baseline and annual eye exams are non-negotiable.
- Corticosteroids: Whether it’s oral prednisone or steroid eye drops, long-term use can increase your risk of glaucoma and cataracts. I’ve had patients surprised to learn their steroid treatment could be behind their blurred vision.
- Biologics: Most of the time, these advanced therapies are well tolerated, but in rare cases, they can be linked to optic neuritis or other inflammatory eye conditions. Not common, but worth being aware of.
Whenever I prescribe these meds, I always encourage patients to keep a little “symptom log.” Any changes in vision, no matter how small, should be jotted down and shared during follow-ups. It makes a big difference in catching problems early.
Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Let me just put this out there: not all blurred vision is created equal. Some symptoms should raise immediate concern—and as someone who’s seen what can happen when eye issues go untreated, I can’t stress this enough.
Here are some eye-related red flags I teach all my patients to watch for:
- Sudden vision loss (partial or total)
- Severe eye pain or pressure
- Floaters or flashes of light
- Redness that doesn’t go away with drops
- Light sensitivity paired with blurred vision
If you experience any of those, don’t wait for your next appointment. Call your eye doctor—or your rheumatology provider—right away. I’ve had patients try to “tough it out” thinking it’s just part of RA. But these symptoms could mean serious things like retinal detachment, uveitis, or even optic nerve involvement.
When to See an Eye Specialist (and What Kind)
It’s not always clear who you should see when vision issues pop up. Optometrist? Ophthalmologist? Retina specialist? It depends on the situation. But if you’re living with RA and you’re having new or worsening vision symptoms, your safest bet is usually a full exam with an ophthalmologist—ideally one familiar with autoimmune eye diseases.
In my clinic, I keep a short list of go-to eye specialists I trust with my RA patients. We share notes, coordinate care, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. That kind of collaboration can be a game changer.
How I Help Patients Protect Their Vision
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes from my day-to-day. When I meet a newly diagnosed RA patient, vision health is part of the care plan from Day One. Not because I expect issues immediately, but because I want to get ahead of the curve.
These are some of the proactive steps I recommend in clinic:
- Comprehensive eye exams yearly, more often if symptoms arise or certain medications are prescribed
- Education about medication side effects, with reminders to report anything unusual—even if it seems small
- Referral to ophthalmology at the first sign of trouble, especially for patients with a history of uveitis or scleritis
- Use of humidifiers and eye drops to manage dry eyes and avoid complications like corneal abrasions
- Balanced treatment plans that minimize steroid use when possible, or at least monitor their effects closely
I’ve found that when patients understand why we’re doing what we’re doing, they’re way more likely to follow through. It’s about partnership. RA isn’t something you can just “cure” and forget—it’s a long-term relationship with your body, and the more you know, the better you can advocate for yourself.
But What If You Already Have Vision Damage?
This is a tough one. I’ve had a few patients who didn’t know their vision problems were connected to RA until it was too late to fully reverse the damage. And I’ll be honest—those are some of the hardest conversations to have. But even in those cases, there’s still hope.
Early intervention and good ophthalmologic care can slow or stop progression in many cases. Assistive technology like magnifiers, text-to-speech tools, and contrast-enhancing glasses can also help maintain independence and quality of life. And I always make sure these patients have access to support services—because vision loss isn’t just physical, it takes an emotional toll too.
The key takeaway I give them is this: you’re not alone. There’s help. And it’s never too late to start taking your eye health seriously.
Everyday Habits That Support Eye Health When Living with RA
One thing I tell my RA patients all the time is this: you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to protect your eyes. Small changes, when done consistently, can go a long way. And I’m not just talking about adding another supplement to your routine (although omega-3s can help!). It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports both joint and eye health.
Here are a few simple daily habits I’ve seen make a big difference over the years:
- Stay hydrated: Dry eyes are a common complaint with RA, and drinking enough water helps keep tear production up. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, more if you’re on meds like methotrexate or steroids that can dehydrate you.
- Use warm compresses: A quick 5-10 minutes with a warm, damp cloth on your eyes can improve oil gland function and reduce dryness. I often do this myself during allergy season—it works wonders.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses: Not just for style! These help protect your eyes from wind, UV rays, and irritants that can worsen dry eye symptoms or inflammation.
- Limit screen time: Easier said than done, right? But staring at screens reduces blink rate, which dries out your eyes. I recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Yes, it’s old-school—but effective.
- Eat for your eyes: Leafy greens, oily fish, and foods rich in vitamin A and zinc can help support eye health from the inside out. Bonus: they’re also great for reducing systemic inflammation.
And honestly, sometimes the most impactful change is just being mindful. Listen to your body. Don’t dismiss symptoms just because they don’t seem “serious.” A little self-awareness goes a long way.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health and Vision Loss
This is a piece that often gets overlooked in clinical care, but it’s something I’ve seen firsthand too many times not to mention: the emotional side of vision changes with RA.
When someone starts struggling with their sight—whether it’s temporary blurriness or more permanent changes—it can hit hard. Frustration, anxiety, even fear of losing independence. And let’s be real, RA already comes with its fair share of emotional weight.
I’ve had patients tell me things like:
- “I feel like I’m losing control of everything, even my vision.”
- “I’m scared to drive or go out at night.”
- “I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to seem dramatic.”
These feelings are valid. You are not being dramatic. You are advocating for your health—and that’s a good thing. I always encourage my patients to speak up about how their symptoms are affecting their mood and quality of life. We’re not just treating RA—we’re treating you, the whole person.
Support groups, counseling, or even short-term therapy can be helpful tools. You don’t have to navigate this alone. There are communities out there who understand exactly what you’re going through, and connecting with them can be incredibly grounding.
So… Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Blurred Vision?
By now, I hope the answer is clear: yes, it absolutely can. Whether it’s inflammation caused directly by RA, side effects from medication, or complications like dry eye syndrome or uveitis, your vision can be impacted. And as someone who’s cared for hundreds of patients over the years, I can confidently say: the earlier you catch these issues, the better the outcomes.
I’ve seen patients go from nearly losing vision to full recovery with timely treatment. I’ve also seen the opposite—where vision loss could’ve been prevented with early intervention. That’s why I’m so passionate about patient education and preventive care. Knowledge really is power here.
Final Takeaway from the Exam Room
If you take one thing away from this whole article, let it be this: don’t ignore your eyes. If you’re living with RA, your vision is just as important as your joint health. Talk to your providers. Ask questions. Trust your gut if something feels off. You know your body better than anyone else.
And if you’re ever unsure? Bring it up. That’s what we’re here for. I’d rather hear about a “weird eye thing” and find out it’s nothing than miss something that could’ve been caught early.
References
- National Institutes of Health
- Health.com
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American College of Rheumatology
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, my insights are based on clinical experience and current evidence-based guidelines, but your health journey is unique. Always consult your healthcare provider or specialist regarding any symptoms or treatment changes, especially related to vision or rheumatoid arthritis management.

Tarra Nugroho is a health writer and wellness researcher specializing in autoimmune conditions, with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At Healthusias, Tarra combines scientific research with a conversational approach to help readers navigate the complexities of chronic inflammation and joint health.
In articles like “Best Supplements for Joint Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Casual Guide,” Tarra explores evidence-based natural remedies and lifestyle strategies to support mobility and reduce flare-ups. Her work reflects a commitment to empowering individuals with practical tools for managing autoimmune conditions.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking holistic ways to manage RA, Tarra’s insights offer clarity and encouragement on the path to better health.