Retinopathy secondary to flare-up of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can have widespread ocular manifestations, and posterior segment involvement may be associated with poor visual outcome. We report a clinical flare-up of SLE presenting as combined vascular occlusion in one eye and drusen-like deposits, which is a newly described entity in both eyes. As an ophthalmologist, a knowledge of such presentations helps us identify and possibly help the rheumatologist titrate treatment accordingly, to prevent severe life-threatening systemic complications.