PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a disease that causes red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis years before being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. But for some, the joint problems begin before skin patches appear or at the same time.
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling are the main signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. They can affect any part of the body, including your fingertips and spine, and can range from relatively mild to severe. In both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, disease flares can alternate with periods of remission.
There's no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling.
Ocular Manifestations:
People with PsA may develop eye conditions that cause symptoms such as:
- red eyes
- itchy eyes
- dry eyes or feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
- difficulty focusing or blurred vision
- pain or sensitivity, especially in reaction to bright light
Sometimes, these symptoms are caused by inflammation linked to PsA. In other cases, eye symptoms might result from an eye condition or other cause unrelated to PsA.