An autoimmune condition that predominantly affects the joints is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Extra-articular manifestations (EAMs), which can impact up to 40.6% of individuals, are frequent. In 39% of individuals, ocular EAM can happen. Different pathogenic pathways affect the cornea, and corneal illness can range from modest symptoms to severe ulceration and melting of the cornea that results in vision loss. RA patients who have severe corneal involvement have higher death rates. Therefore, researchers sought to review the corneal participation in RA patients’ prevalence, underlying causes, therapy, and overall effects for a study.

Patients with RA frequently have involvement in the cornea. The frequency of spontaneous and surgery-related corneal ulceration and melting is decreasing with the increased use of systemic immunosuppression, particularly the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and with improvements in surgical methods. Nevertheless, patients with RA should be closely treated as they still pose a danger.

Worse quality of life and a poor ocular and systemic prognosis were linked to corneal problems brought on by RA. The key to maintaining ocular integrity and preventing a fatal result is early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary treatment that includes topical ophthalmic therapy and systemic immunosuppression.

Reference: journals.lww.com/co-allergy/Abstract/2022/10000/Corneal_complications_of_rheumatoid_arthritis.6.aspx

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