A Hospital Based Prospective Study to Assess the Prevalence of Ocular Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Western Rajasthan at Newly Established Medical College

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1% of the adult U.S. population. The present study was undertaken for assessing the prevalence of ocular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis patients in western Rajasthan at newly established medical college. Materials & methods: A total of 100 RA patients were enrolled. Complete demographic details of all the patients were obtained. Ophthalmological exam obtained: visual acuity by Snellen sings, biomicroscopy of anterior segment, Schirmer test, tear break-up time (BUT), applanation tonometry and indirect ophthalmoscopy. In all patients with retinal vasculitis fotofundus documentation, and in indicated case fluorescein angiography was done. Prevalence of ocular manifestations was recorded. Results: Out of these 100 patients, Ocular manifestations were seen in 29 percent of the patients. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca was the most common ocular manifestation found to be present in 18 patients. Episcleritis was the second most common found to be present in 7 patients. Scleritis and Keratitis were found to be present in 3 patients and 1 patient respectively. Conclusion: Ocular manifestations involved with RA are keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis, Scleritis corneal changes, and retinal vasculitis. Female predilection is mostly seen.