Observational Study of Magnitude of Ocular Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis in A Tertiary Care Hospital in East India

Background: Objectives: 1. To evaluate the magnitude of ocular manifestations in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis 2. To establish a statistical significance of age of patients to duration of disease 3. To establish a statistical significance of duration of disease to frequency of ocular manifestations Method: Study Design: Cross sectional observational study. Sample Size: 144 Duration of Study: 18 months Case control was not required in this study. Investigations: Slit lamp biomicroscopy with 90 D Volk lens was done for anterior and posterior segment examination. Gonioscopy, Applanation Tonometry, Automated Perimetry and Indirect Ophthalmoscopy were done. Dry eye evaluation was done. Statistical Analysis: SPSS version 20 was used with a p value of less than 0.05 taken as significant. Result: Out of 144 patients, females (118) dominated. Ocular manifestations were seen in 53(36.8%) patients, bilateral in 35 (66%) patients and multiple in 32 (60.4%) patients. Dry eye was the most common ocular manifestation (30.5%). The duration of disease was statistically significant (p=0.001) with respect to ocular manifestations and also age groups (p=0.000). Conclusion: Dry eye was the most common ocular manifestation. The duration of disease was statistically significant with respect to ocular manifestations. The duration of disease was statistically significant when co related with age groups. Ocular manifestations are common in Rheumatoid Arthritis and should be evaluated urgently. Earlier diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis helps in reducing ocular morbidity and ophthalmologists should be trained to look for ocular as well as other extra articular manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis.