Which ocular manifestation is associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Scleritis
• C. Retinopathy
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (B)

Ocular involvement in rheumatoid arthritis most classically appears as scleritis, an inflammatory process of the sclera. This condition causes deep, aching eye pain and redness and can threaten vision if it becomes necrotizing or severe. It reflects active systemic autoimmune disease, so addressing the RA with systemic therapy—often under rheumatology care—is key, sometimes alongside ophthalmology treatment. Cataracts aren’t a direct RA feature; they’re more linked to long-term steroid use that may accompany RA treatment. Retinopathy and glaucoma are typically due to other diseases or treatment effects rather than RA itself. Another RA-related eye issue is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) from associated Sjögren’s syndrome, but that’s a separate manifestation. Therefore, scleritis is the ocular finding most associated with rheumatoid arthritis.