Does juvenile arthritis effects the eye sight?

Juvenile arthritis is also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Children of age group under sixteen are mostly affected in this. In this kind of arthritis swelling in joints, inflexibility and reduction in motion is observed. In this problem any joint may get affected, sometimes the ailments are so chronic that the internal organs are also affected.

Some may not believe that how come a disease that has to do with the joints affects the internal organs like the eyes. Kids suffering from this disorder are more prone to develop ocular problems. It begins with the process called “Uveitis”, also known as “iritis”. It is a medical term that refers to the inflammation in the layer of a blood vessel, of the eye.

Diagnosis is possible, but it has to be done at and early stage. It is better that the condition is revealed at an early stage, by seeking the help of ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist makes use of “slit lamp microscope”, to check the condition of the eye.

It has been observed that, “Uveitis” is more widespread among kids with peculiar conditions of JIA, like the oligo arthritis. In this case, occasional check up the eye is suggested. Similarly, children suffering from poly arthritis, require check up every six months. Patients, those are suffering from systematic JIA, have to visit an ophthalmologist, once in a year. Eye examination should be continued, after the kids arthritis goes in to reduction.

The eyes are treated with eye drops, containing steroids. They reduce the irritation and inflammation in the eye, and the damage can be averted. Occasionally, one may have to make the use of stronger medicines.