Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and the Eye
Date issued: September 2015
For review: September 2017
Ref: A-279/AM/REI/JIA and the eye
PDF: JIA AND THE EYE [pdf] 113KB
Why am I going to the eye clinic?
Some children with JIA can develop inflammation in their eyes. The risk is between 8% and 30% and will depend on the type of arthritis you have and the age you develop it. To detect iritis you need regular eye screening.
How does JIA affect the eye?
The inflammation in the eye is called iritis or anterior uveitis. The iris or coloured part of the eye becomes inflamed.
We do not fully understand why this happens. You may hear the doctor talking about “flare” and “cells” these are signs of inflammation in the eye.
What symptoms should I expect?
None. That is the problem. Usually iritis causes a painful red eye, however in JIA the eye is white and there are no symptoms.
When do I go to the eye clinic?
You will be referred to the eye clinic as soon as your JIA is diagnosed. You should be seen by an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) within 6-8 weeks. You will be seen every 3 months to make sure you have not developed iritis. The screening usually continues until you are 11 although this depends on your age and the type of JIA.
What happens at the eye clinic?
You will have your vision tested by a nurse. This will be reading letters on a chart or looking at pictures.
You will then see the eye doctor who will look at your eyes on a machine called a slit lamp which is like a big microscope. You may need drops so they can check the back of the eye.
What is the treatment?
If you develop iritis it is treated with steroid drops which help settle the inflammation. You will probably need them for several weeks. You may also need drops to dilate the pupil. The drops are reduced as the inflammation settles.
Can iritis affect my vision?
A small number of children will have problems with their sight due to the iritis. This is less likely now as there are more treatments available if the drops do not control the inflammation.
Remember:Always come to your appointments, it is important to treat iritis as early as possible.
You may not have symptoms. Iritis does not only happen when your joints are sore
If you are worried about your eyes or your vision becomes blurred phone:
REI Casualty on 01752 439330
