Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the eyes in several ways. Inflammation of the episclera, a thin membrane that covers the white of your eye, is common. It’s usually mild, but the eye may get red and painful. Scleritis, an inflammation of the white of the eye, is more serious and can lead to vision loss.
RA also puts you at risk for Sjögren's syndrome, which develops when your immune system attacks the glands that produce tears. It can make your eyes feel gritty and dry. If it’s not treated, the dryness can cause infection and scarring of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the eye, and the cornea.