A chronic autoimmune condition, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis in children worldwide and often presents a multitude of challenges for those with the disease and their families.
According to the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation Australia (JAFA), JIA is one of the commonest chronic childhood diseases affecting 6,000 to 10,000 children nationally: that’s a rate of about one to two per thousand children under the age of 16 years of age.
While a JIA diagnosis can initially feel overwhelming and scary for both the affected child and their family, early detection and management of the disease can lead to a better quality of life and more positive outcomes.
From an eye health perspective, one of the more common complexities of JIA is uveitis.
An inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, uveitis can cause redness, pain and vision problems. JAFA reports that 20 percent of children with JIA will develop uveitis at some stage.
In this article, we will look at the impact of JIA, explain more about uveitis and how it relates to JIA and what you can do to help support your child living with JIA.
The impact of JIA
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a serious and painful autoimmune disease with the potential to cause joint deformities and loss of vision if not diagnosed early and treated effectively.
JIA can show up in different ways:
- Your child might complain of sore knees, wrists, fingers, or other joints
- The affected joints can look puffy and swollen
- Your child might find it hard to move their joints, especially in the morning
- The skin over the affected joint might feel warm to the touch
- Children with JIA can get tired easily and may not have as much energy to play
JIA is an idiopathic disease, which means medical scientists still don't know exactly what causes it. It is classified as a childhood rheumatic disease (CRD) and accounts for about 80% of all CRDs.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of JIA, permanent joint and eye damage can be prevented or greatly reduced and the likelihood of remission is higher.
The silver lining of JIA is about half of all children with the disease ‘grow out of it’ as they approach adulthood and will essentially go into permanent remission.
What does uveitis have to do with JIA?
JIA is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and, when this happens within the eye, it can lead to uveitis.
“While not all children with JIA will develop uveitis, when it comes uveitis in JIA the condition often develops without any noticeable signs or symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial,” said Christina Ly, optometrist and education program manager at Optometry Australia.
Signs and symptoms of uveitis include:
- Redness of the eye
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Diagnosis and monitoring
Early diagnosis is key to managing uveitis effectively. Your child’s doctor will likely recommend regular eye exams every three to 12 months, depending on their specific risk factors. These exams help catch any changes early, allowing for prompt treatment.
Treatment options
If uveitis is detected, treatment aims to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to the eye.
Treatment will typically include:
- Steroids (as eye drops or orally) to help reduce inflammation quickly
- Immunomodulatory therapy to control the body's immune response
Living with JIA and uveitis
Managing JIA and uveitis can be challenging, but with the right care, children can lead active and fulfilling lives.
Here are some tips for parents:
- Stay on top of appointments: regular check-ups with both the rheumatologist and optometrist or ophthalmologist are crucial
- Monitor symptoms: keep an eye out for any changes in your child’s vision or joint health and consult with the appropriate health care professional
- Support your child: living with a chronic condition can be tough on kids. Encourage open communication about how they’re feeling and provide emotional support
- Educate yourself: understanding these conditions empowers you to make informed decisions about your child’s care
A final thought
By staying informed and proactive, you can help your child with JIA enjoy a good quality of life.
Remember, regular eye exams are a crucial part of keeping your child's eyes healthy.
If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your child's vision or joint health, don't hesitate to reach out to their healthcare team.
To schedule an appointment with your local optometrist today, use our easy search tool here.
For more information about juvenile idiopathic arthritis, visit the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation Australia.
