Arthritis of the eyes has little to do with the eyes themselves.  This type of arthritis has more in common with arthritis of the knee than an actual eye disease since arthritis of the eye involves the joints within the eye.  Arthritis of the eyes’ technical name is uveitis, and this name is based on the term for the three different parts of the pigmented tissue of the eye, the uvea.

Arthritis of the Eyes: What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of this type of arthritis include itching or burning in the eye, and discharge from the eye.  The symptoms are similar to psoriasis, and lesions on the skin can form.  It is not known how what causes arthritis of the eye, but it is thought to be linked to other medical conditions, including the following:

  • Headaches
  • Infections/Problems with the immune system
  • Physical injury
  • Intestinal diseases
  • Rheumatoid arthritis/Juvenile arthritis
  • Allergies
  • Deafness
  • Parasites
  • Poor diet

Arthritis of the Eyes Types
Arthritis of the eye usually occurs either in the iris or the ciliary body.  The iris allows the pupil to open and close to regulate light.  The ciliary body creates watery fluids and adjusts the lens so that the pupil can focus.  Arthritis in the iris is known as iritis while arthritis in the ciliary body is known as cyclitis. 

Another form of arthritis of the eye is choroiditis, which is arthritis within the choroid.  The choroid circulates blood throughout the eye to feed and support it.  Certain forms of arthritis of the eye cause the whole eye to become red and inflamed, and this is known as panuveitis.

Treatments for Arthritis of the Eye
Like many forms of arthritis, there is no cure for arthritis of the eye.  But, if the problem can be caught early, further damage can be controlled.  This is why regular eye exams are a must.  Antibiotics and other immune system drugs, including cortisone, can be used to treat eye arthritis.

Natural Treatments
Natural remedies include eating a better diet and reducing stress.  If you use contact lenses, stop as this will further irritate the eyes.  Always wear sunglasses when outdoors.  If the arthritis of the eye is in advanced stages, surgery may be necessary.