Hi my darling, my eyes where perfect to I started with R.A my optician says the disease cause eye problems that why when I go I have to always tell them what I have and which tablets I am taking, every year my eyes are getting worse. So as your optician 🐝

Dry eyes actually are common in the general population, esp. in dry settings or weather, but people with RA are at increased risk for another cause of eye problems: an autoimmune disease called Sjögren's syndrome. (Autoimmune conditions often travel together. Serena Williams has Sjogrens, although I'm not aware of any other autoimmunity.) Sjögren's is systemic disease, meaning it can affect multiple body systems, but the most common symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. The dry eyes can be quite uncomfortable. My vision was compromised. An ophthamologist can prescribe something like Restasis or Xiidra. Both contain immune suppressants to control symptoms. They need to be taken over time; it can take up to 2 to 6 weeks for the drops to start working. Occasionally prednisone drops will be given short-term to get inflammation under control. For routine symptomatic relief, good quality lubricating drops like systane can be helpful. They're viscous and perservative-free. They can be used several times per day. Decongestant drops for redness and itching like cvs brand or even visine, not so much.

Plaquenil can affect vision for some people. I did a trial of the drug. I was driving at night and noticed that all of the street lights appeared to have halos. It was like being surrounded by hundreds of little Jesuses. I stopped the med - it didn't help anyway.

Has your doctor put you on Restasis eye drops? I am on those as well as Evoxac or Cevimeline ( generic ), which helps produce saliva and artificial tears. Depending on how bad your condition is will depend how the dosage and how many times a day you will need to take it. I am on it Evoxac (generic version) 30mg tabs, take 2, three times daily. The only drawback is, the lunch time dosage is followed up my nap time, thanks Norco, so I usually end up having drooling on my pillow. No worries though, I secretly try and grab my hubbies pillow and not mine! LOL! (jk)

I started Plaquenil and noticed blurred vision. I went to my eye doctor and he asked if it made it better if my eyes teared. Once he mentioned it, I realized it did so he gave me some eye drops and said that dry eyes is normal with RA. It definitely helps. I will say that it was much worse while I was on Plaquenil and has improved in the 3 months since I've stopped taking it.

I should say, off and on blurred vision.