Lupus can affect any part of our bodies. While most people with Lupus will not have problems with their eyes, approximately 20% of Lupus Warriors will.
Vasculitis (blood vessel changes) of the Retina
This is the most common form of eye involvement in Lupus Warriors. Retinal Vasculitis causes a lack of blood supply to the Retina. The eye attempts to repair itself, but in the process new blood vessels are formed which can impact on vision. Blood vessels can also bleed which can also impair the vision.
Medication
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can cause Retinal Toxicity (a build-up of toxins in the eye/s) over time, especially if taken in high doses. This toxicity can cause damage to the Retina of the eye. It is recommended that Warriors who start taking this medication have a baseline eye exam before or shortly after beginning the treatment. An annual exam with an Optometrist is then recommended to monitor for any changes.
Immuno-suppressive medications (such as Methotrexate and Mycophenolate) can increase the risk of contracting infections in the eyes.
Steroid treatment, in the form of pills, intravenous injections or eye drops are often used to assist Lupus Warriors with inflammation. However, steroids, especially in the form of eye drops, can lead to Glaucoma or Cataracts in the eyes.
Sjorgen’s Syndrome (Dry Eyes)
Around 20% of people with Lupus also suffer from Sjorgen’s Syndrome. This syndrome can affect different parts of the body. The tear glands in Lupus Warriors who also have Sjorgen’s Syndrome do not produce sufficient tears to lubricate and moisturise the eyes, causing dry eyes. This can result in scratchy, burning, irritated and gritty feelings along with watering eyes and blurred vision.
Chemists will commonly have products to assist with this, such as eye drops and mist sprays as well as artificial tears.
Discoid Lupus
Discoid Lupus affect the skin, leaving dry patches (lesions), scarring and rashes. The eyelids can be affected as well as the loss of eye lashes. The eyelids can become inflamed, raised, itchy and scaly. Scarring can occur along the outer edges of the eyelids, resulting in deformities.
Optic Nerve Damage
Although uncommon, some Lupus Warriors can develop Optic Neuritis (inflammation of the covering around the Optic Nerve). It is more common for only one eye to be affected, but profound vision damage can occur.
Optic Neuropathy can also occur in Lupus Warriors. Optic Neuropathy occurs when the blood vessels supplying the optic nerve are blocked, causing a stroke-like condition in the eye.
Uveitis
Uveitis refers to inflammation of the Uvea (the middle layer of the eye). However, any part of the eye can be affected by this inflammation in Lupus Warriors.
Scleritis
Scleritis is a painful inflammation of the scleral (outer layer of the whites of eyes). Only a small amount of Lupus Warriors are prone to this. It can cause a redness and a yellowing of the whites of the eye along with pain and irritation.