Clinical profile of ocular morbidities associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder involving multiple organs. Ocular involvement occurs in both the active and chronic phases. We have conducted a study to illustrate the ocular inflammations associated with SLE leading to visual morbidity. : This prospective, descriptive, hospital-based study was conducted on 75 patients with SLE over 1 year diagnosed by the physician based on the Systemic Lupus Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria. These patients underwent complete ocular examination. Ancillary investigations were done for patients with clinically suspected ocular pathology.: 69% patients had ocular involvement and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (76%) was the most common.42% patients had multiple ocular tissue pathologies. Corneal involvement was noted in 7 patients (14%), comprising of punctate corneal erosions (10%), pannus (2%) and peripheral corneal ulcer (2%), all during the active phase of the disease. 30% patients had episcleritis, diffuse pattern (73%) being the most common and also the presenting sign of SLE in 9% of patients. Retinopathy was seen in 9 patients (18%), vasculitis in 12% being the most common posterior segment association with SLE. The most common cause of defective vision in these patients was steroid induced or complicated cataract (24%). 42% of patients had associated SLE nephropathy.: Simultaneous and multiple forms of ocular inflammation can occur at any stage of SLE, which could compromise the quality of life of the individual. The onset of uveitis is indicative of active status of the disease. A complete ophthalmic evaluation is an important part of management during the active stage and remission.