Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review of the Literature

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Neal V. Palejwala, Emory University; Harpreet S. Walia, Emory University; Steven Yeh, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-05-31
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 Neal V. Palejwala et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ad/2012/290898/
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Autoimmune Diseases
• ISSN: 2090-0422
• Volume: 2012
• Issue: 2012
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 9
• Grant/Funding Information: This research was funded in part by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness (Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine).
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, General; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

About one-third of patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus have ocular manifestations. The most common manifestation is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The most vision threatening are retinal vasculitis and optic neuritis/neuropathy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of eye disease is paramount as they are often associated with high levels of systemic inflammation and end-organ damage. Initial management with high-dose oral or IV corticosteroids is often necessary. Multiple “steroid-sparing” treatment options exist with the most recently studied being biologic agents.