Yes, lupus can affect your eyes in several ways, including causing swollen or dry eyes. Here are some eye-related symptoms and conditions associated with lupus:
- Dry Eyes: Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye disease affects about 16% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms include an Show Full Answer
Yes, lupus can affect your eyes in several ways, including causing swollen or dry eyes. Here are some eye-related symptoms and conditions associated with lupus:
- Dry Eyes: Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye disease affects about 16% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms include an irritated, scratchy, or burning sensation, the feeling of sand in the eyes, redness, wateriness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the outer layer of the eyeball, which can cause severe pain, redness, tenderness, blurred vision, and bulging, swollen eyes. Severe cases may require treatment with oral corticosteroids and other immunosuppressant drugs.
- Eyelid Rash: Discoid lupus erythematosus can cause a rash on the eyelids, leading to scaly, slightly raised plaques that may be itchy or cause a burning sensation.
- Retinal Disease: Lupus retinopathy, which involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina, is found in about 10% of people with active SLE.
- Uveitis: Although rare, uveitis (inflammation of the uvea) can occur in people with lupus, causing sensitivity to light, pain, and blurred vision.
- Other Symptoms: Red eyes, inflamed eyes, eye pain, pressure in or around the eyes, a gritty sensation, double vision, vision loss, and increased sensitivity to light.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
November 18, 2024
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