Geez, that is a scarey thing. Did you see an opthamologist, or were you referred to an opthamologist? Could it be your RA causing the swelling? I am just asking because I honestly have no idea! My eyes have been bothering me a lot because they are so, so dry. I am using lubricating drops, but they feel irriated and sort of burned. My mouth is dry as a bone, too. Any ideas??? Sorry you are having this serious issue. I hope someone has some words of wisdom for you. I hope some doc can find a way to help you with this.

I never heard of this, so looked it up..I know Plaquenil affects our eyes. And prednisone, long-term might give cataracts.

But this happens with diabetes...wonder about lupus....
found this article..says Uveitis can cause it

well are we not susceptble to getting it?..I have read about some JRA patients, that have uveitis...so young!
horrible!

hope u feel better, a long time with RA?

Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)

Definition

Cystoid macular edema, commonly called CME, is a painless disorder which affects the central retina or macula. When this condition is present, multiple cyst-like (cystoid) areas of fluid appear in the macula and cause retinal swelling or edema.

Although the exact cause of CME is not known, it may accompany a variety of diseases such as retinal vein occlusion, uveitis, or diabetes. It most commonly occurs after cataract surgery. About 1-3 % of those who have cataract extractions will experience decreased vision due to CME during the first post-operative year, usually from two to four months after surgery. If the disorder appears in one eye, there is an increased risk (possibly as high as 50%) that it will also affect the second eye. Fortunately, however, most patients recover their vision with treatment.

Symptoms
Blurred or decreased central vision (the disorder does not affect peripheral or side-vision)
Painless retinal inflammation or swelling (usually after cataract surgery)


The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have cystoid macular edema. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam.

Treatment

Because many factors can lead to CME, effective treatment will vary. After the diagnosis has been made and confirmed, your ophthalmologist may attempt several kinds of treatment. Retinal inflammation is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone or indomethacin. These are usually given as eye drops, though occasionally they must be administered as an injection or by mouth. Diuretics such as diamox may help to reduce the swelling in some cases.

Sometimes, the vitreous (the gel that fills most of the eye) pulls on the macula causing CME. A vitrectomy (surgery to remove the vitreous gel) is done in those situations if needed.

In some cases, the swelling and inflammation which accompanies CME can cause glaucoma, a disorder which often occurs due to increased pressure inside the eye. If this happens, the glaucoma must be treated with appropriate medications to reduce the pressure.


Clinic Information

For more information, see the Retina and Uveitis Service and the complete Clinic Services listing of the U-M Kellogg Eye Center.

I have had alot of eye problems such as redness, blurriness, alot of pain, burning and dryness. My rheumy sent me to see a opthamologist a few months ago because he said you can get RA in the eyes and if that is what I had it needed to be treated. As it turned out the opthamalogist said it was not RA but that I needed to be checked every year for it . I think he called it Uveitis (not sure)
He did say it had to be treated with prednisone drops put into the eye
something about the brain connection to the eye being different so regular prednisone by mouth or shot would not help. I would see
a specialist to be sure.

I've had cataracts removed..so i see eye surgeon..every yr..for a recheck

he says he can see evidence of RA in my eyes..I did have that paper test...i am borderline

but found this on medicine.net

see what it says about RA/lupus!

Introduction


Uveitis (pronounced you-vee-EYE-tis) is basically an inflammation of the eye. The condition involves all inflammatory processes of the middle layers of the eye, also called the uveal tract or uvea. The uvea includes the iris (colored part of the eye), choroid (a thin membrane containing many blood vessels) and ciliary body (the part of the eye that joins these together).

The uvea is very important because its many veins and arteries transport blood to the parts of the eye that are critical for vision.

Learn more about the structures that make up the eye in the article titled " The Amazing Human Eye ."



What Are the Symptoms of Uveitis?


Symptoms of uveitis may include:
Eye redness and irritation
Blurred vision
Eye pain
Increased sensitivity to light
Floating spots before the eyes

Uveitis may develop rapidly, and it is very important that you see your ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam if you develop these symptoms, especially if a painful, red eye does not clear up quickly.

Left untreated, uveitis may permanently damage your vision.



What Causes Uveitis?


Uveitis has many potential causes, including infection with a virus, fungus, bacteria or parasite, inflammatory disease affecting other parts of the body, or injury to the eye.

There are four types of uveitis:
Iritis is the most common form of uveitis. It affects the iris and is often associated with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Iritis may develop suddenly and may last up to eight weeks, even with treatment.
Cyclitis is an inflammation of the middle portion of the eye and may affect the muscle that focuses the lens. This also may develop suddenly and last several months.
Retinitis affects the back of the eye. It may be rapidly progressive, making it difficult to treat. Retinitis may be caused by viruses such as shingles or herpes and bacterial infections such as syphilis or toxoplasmosis.
Choroiditis is an inflammation of the layer beneath the retina. It may also be caused by an infection such as tuberculosis.
Retinitis and choroiditis can each be caused by an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In a large number of cases, the cause of uveitis is not known, but it is often related to stress.



Next: How is uveitis diagnosed?

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Uveitis Index

i worry so much about my other body parts,i have to pay just as much attention to my vision.it seems the connection between autoimmune disease and vision complications is well documented.soon after my onset of symptoms i took a full vision exam.i figured it would be good to get a baseline evaluation.my insurance picks up a exam annually,so unlike the past where i would go years without one,i will be there each and every year now.

All of us who have RA and especially those of us on Plaquenil need to pay special attention to our eyes. I have been on Plaquenil for years and I am checked 2-4 times a year by an optomologist. There are times when I can see clear and times with or without glasses print is not clear. Also there is a family history of cataracts and glaucoma. I don't do well with the visual fields and have been sent to an eye specialist which said everything was okay.

I had an eye exam on Wednesday. I was having problems with my close up vision and dryness. He was awesome and knew so much about RA. I learned some interesting things. But as always, it is best to check with your own doctor and have an exam.
1) He explained that extreme fatigue plays a part in your close up vision changing back and forth.
2) That dryness of your eyes should be treated like dry skin....in that when your skin gets dry there are microscopic cracks that cause the irritation, the same with your cornea. So the best thing is to treat your eye with drops (Sustain) at least morning and night as well as through out the day- before- they get really irritated. I assume as a preventative thing.
3) Plaquenil can cause damage to the retina.
And Missouritiger, I am struggling with the dry mouth as well.
Heres to a peaceful weekend!!!