Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, chronic, often debilitating autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs. It develops as a result of an interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Persistent synovial inflammation, the characteristic feature, causes cartilage and bone destruction, leading to joint deformities and functional limitations. Nearly half of these patients show extraarticular manifestations, including ocular involvement. Early detection in RA is key to avoid potential sight-threatening complications. The main focus of the therapeutic approach to RA includes an aggressive treat-to-target intervention strategy designed to allow for adequate control of inflammation early in the course of the disease to limit structural and functional damage.