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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Eye problems and Lupus

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boaz, AL

Does anyone with Lupus have issues with your vision? My eyesight has deteriorated very quickly in the last 2 months, and I'm not sure if it's due to age or my medications. I have been very nearsighted all my life, but recently, I'm having a very difficult time seeing anything clearly, especially up close. I see my eye doctor tomorrow. I'm worried that my eye doctor will pass it off as aging (46 yo), or my rheumatologist will pass me back and forth to my eye doctor.

February 14, 2021
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A MyLupusTeam Member

I had something very similar happen where I literally woke up one morning and couldn't read my phone. I saw my opthamologist and a retina specialist that day because I do take plaquenil. They didn't see any changes but they did say my eyes were inflamed. They said it was probably related to the lupus or fluctuations in blood sugar and also my age (I'm 47). I think they're right because some days it's better than others. Good luck.

February 15, 2021
A MyLupusTeam Member

Yes u should see ophthalmologist for sure

February 14, 2021
A MyLupusTeam Member

Are you taking Plaquenil? I learned that it can cause damage to the retina’s that can be quite severe. I went to the eye Dr. last week and she said that mt retinas looked very good but she has to check them every year for changes due to the medication, It turns out that I do need a change to my lenses but more than anything my eyes are just extremely dry and scratchy which affects my vision just life my entire body is dry. So I am on prescription drops twice a day and OTC drops 3-4 times a dat,

February 14, 2021
MyLupusTeam

Lupus can cause a variety of eye problems. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Common Eye Symptoms in Lupus
- Dry Eyes: Often treated with artificial tears or prescribed eye drops like cyclosporine ophthalmic
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the outer layer of the eyeball, which can lead to severe pain and Show Full Answer

Lupus can cause a variety of eye problems. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Common Eye Symptoms in Lupus:
- Dry Eyes: Often treated with artificial tears or prescribed eye drops like cyclosporine ophthalmic.
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the outer layer of the eyeball, which can lead to severe pain and vision loss if untreated.
- Retinal Disease: Lupus retinopathy involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the eye's middle layer, causing sensitivity to light, pain, and blurred vision.
- Eyelid Rash: Rashes typically seen on other parts of the body can also appear on the eyelids.
- Bulging Eyes: Can be a symptom of thyroid eye disease, which may occur alongside lupus.

Severe Symptoms to Watch For:
- Severe Eye Pain: Especially if it awakens you at night.
- Yellowing of the Whites of the Eyes
- Redness and Tenderness to Touch
- Blurred Vision
- Limited Eye Movement

Treatment Options:
- Mild Scleritis: Treated with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Severe Scleritis: May require oral corticosteroids and other immunosuppressant drugs.
- Dry Eyes: Treated with artificial tears, cyclosporine ophthalmic, topical steroids, or antibiotics.

Importance of Regular Check-Ups:
- Ophthalmologist Visits: Regular check-ups are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems related to lupus.

Additional Notes:
- Overlap with Thyroid Eye Disease: People with lupus may also develop thyroid eye disease, which includes symptoms like red and inflamed eyes, eye pain, and vision changes.

For more detailed information, always consult with a healthcare provider.

July 28, 2024
A MyLupusTeam Member

Going tomorrow!

February 14, 2021

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