Night blindness, anyone

[NinaPWA]

I have had RA for 37 years, on Remicade, mtx, nsaids, all the rest. I have developed RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA. Has anybody else had any experience with this disease_

[Hidden]

No sorry Nina never heard of it - but then I'm a newbie to RA - sorry! TTx

[Hidden]

Hi Nina

Yes I have heard of it, but I'm sure it is not related to RA at all. My friend's grandchild has it. Find out all you can, is my advise. Like you, I have had ra for many years (37) and am now 61. Although eye problems can develop, they are usually with sjorgens (dry eyes). Hope you get enough info to sort yourself out...keep pestering for it!! Good luck...we are all her for you to release any frustrarions with.......hopalongxxx (kath)

[Treesha]

Hi nina retinitis is a genetically inherited condition and i am 99 % sure it has nothing to do with R A. I know that long term use of steroids can lead to cataracts but i dont think they have any bearing on retinitis. Maybe talk to your GP about it. Sorry canr be any more help. Take care xxxx

[swoodge]

I have night blindness and RA but mine is to do with severe shortsightedness and not the RA although i have since developed dry eyes since being diagnosed with RA which i think is the drugs. I suggest see an eye consultant who will be able to help the most. Good luck Sue

[SarahKate-NRAS in reply to swoodge]

Hi Swoodge

You may find it interesting to read our article on occular manifestations of RA, which includes some information about dry eye (or Sjogren's Syndrome): nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

This is the most common eye problem association with RA, and there are some simple treatments that may help including the use of artificial tears. There is also a specialist organisation that may be able to offer further information, the British Sjogren's Syndrome Association: bssa.uk.net/

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS Helpline

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi Nina

This is not a condition that we are aware of being linked with RA, but having done a little research it seems that Retinitis Pigmentosa refers to a group of inherited diseases of the retina.

It may be worth contacting a more specialist organisation, one that we are aware of is the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society: rpfightingblindness.org.uk/...

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS Helpline

[twozero]

I have Retinitis Pigmentosa, but not RA. RP is a family of related inherited genetic eye diseases. The way it affects any given individual varies greatly. If you have RP, you have always had it. It's just the symptoms that are developing. RP is sometimes linked to hearing loss, but I have never heard of it being linked to RA. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a great resource, and Facebook has great support groups where you can talk with other people who have RP.

facebook.com/groups/retinit...

[sbrown]

I have retinitis pigmentosa as well. I found this website to be very helpful:

RPupdate.com