Ophthalmic manifestations in systemic lupus

Background and aim of work. Ocular manifestations have been reported to occur in up to one third of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients and are associated with significant morbidity and also a marker for overall systemic disease activity. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of ocular manifestations among patients with SLE and to determine the association of the ocular manifestations with the disease activity. Subjects and methods. This is a cross-sectional study included 112 consecutive patients with SLE (98 females and 14 males). Patients underwent clinical assessment and current drug use information was obtained. Lupus disease activity was calculated using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. Results. Out of the 224 eyes of the 112 SLE patients, 23 (10.3%) eyes in 12 (10.7%) patients had ocular manifestations related to the SLE disease. SLE patients who had ocular manifestations had significantly higher SLEDAI score and are more frequently using systemic corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine than SLE patients without ocular manifestations. Conclusions. SLE affected the eyes in a significant sector of patients. Ocular manifestations in SLE should be taken seriously as they may lead to significant morbidity and visual deterioration. Ocular manifestations denoted the disease activity of SLE.