Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's immune system attacks itself. This condition affects many parts of the body and, according to the Oxford Journal of Rheumatology, the eyes are affected in about one-third of patients. Sometimes Sjogren's syndrome develops as a complication of autoimmune diseases like lupus. One of the hallmark symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome involves the eyes. Additionally, some medications used to treat lupus have serious ocular side effects.
Dry Eyes
Sjogren's syndrome is often linked to autoimmune disease. When this inflammation occurs, it affects the saliva and tear duct glands. Dry mouth and dry eyes, often with a gritty, burning sensation of the eyes, are critical signs of Sjogren's. Dry eye syndrome is the most common ocular side effect of lupus, according to the Oxford Journal of Rheumatology. Although most lupus patients complain of mild dryness, some can experience so much dryness that their vision is affected.
Swollen and Scaly Eyelids
Lupus affects different people in different ways, but swelling throughout the body is a very common symptom, according to the National Institutes of Health. The appearance of swelling around the eye region can develop as a result of lupus. Additionally, raised and scaly lesions on the eyelids sometimes appear. Usually topical medications do not work, but oral medications that treat the lupus can be beneficial.
Retinal Disease
In rare cases, lupus can have more extreme effects on the eye. The Oxford Journal of Rheumatology states that 10 percent of lupus patients are affected by retinal disease. Retinopathy, however, is usually mild if it appears at all. Lupus patients with mild retinopathy may experience symptoms of blur, floaters or no symptoms at all. In rarer cases of severe retinopathy, more severe vision loss can occur.
Medication-Related Eye Problems
Prednisone is a corticosteroid most often used to treat lupus. Usually prescribed for oral dosing, prednisone aims to decrease the swelling and inflammation caused by the immune system's attack on the body. Side effects of prednisone include cataracts and high eye pressures that can lead to glaucoma. Close monitoring of eye pressures while on prednisone is recommended. Additionally, antimalarial drugs are sometimes prescribed to treat lupus. In very rare cases, retinal damage can occur as a side effect to this drug.
References
- Oxford Journal of Rheumatology: Ocular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematous
- National Institutes of Health: Lupus
- American College of Rheumatology: Sjogren's Syndrome
- Will's Eye Manual; Douglas Rhee and Mark Pyfer, ed; 1999
