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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.

In what ways can Lupus or the medication hydroxychloroquine affect eyelids …. Thickness and a 10 months on medicine , now eye issues…

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
September 12
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Many thanks for your helpfulness with my issues :) Have a wonderful day ahead

September 14
A MyLupusTeam Member

No problem, Bev. It's reassuring that it's blepharitis, since healthy people get it too. It may be totally unrelated to the lupus, though the stye (a mild localized infection) may take longer to resolve due to lupus. I hope it resolves quickly!

September 13
A MyLupusTeam Member

I’ve been to my eye doctor twice Within the month, he advised it is blepharitis with stye , rx for eye ointment…It just seems like it’s taking a long time and looking at my eyelids discoloration spots not many as well as like puffy. So I will call on Monday to see what they can do and reach out to my rheumatologist as well… Thank you for your quick response. I do appreciate your help and wisdom

September 12
A MyLupusTeam Member

Color changes to the eyelids and other skin areas can occur. It's critical to see an ophthalmologist at least yearly or every six months for retinal monitoring, as pigment deposition can occur there, affecting vision. If you're having vision trouble now, please see your ophthalmologist right away!

September 12
MyLupusTeam

It's really worth paying attention to those eye changes, especially after 10 months on hydroxychloroquine. Both lupus itself and the medication can affect the eyes in different ways.

How lupus can affect the eyelids and eyes:

- Rashes or scaly, raised patches on the eyelids (from discoid lupus)
- Swelling or puffiness around Show Full Answer

It's really worth paying attention to those eye changes, especially after 10 months on hydroxychloroquine. Both lupus itself and the medication can affect the eyes in different ways.

How lupus can affect the eyelids and eyes:

- Rashes or scaly, raised patches on the eyelids (from discoid lupus)
- Swelling or puffiness around the eyes, especially after sun exposure
- Dry, gritty, or scratchy-feeling eyes
- Blurred vision or redness
- Watery or bulging eyes

These symptoms can range from mild to more serious, and sometimes eye issues are among the first signs of a lupus flare. How hydroxychloroquine can affect the eyes:

While it's generally considered safe, long-term or high-dose use can cause:

- Retinal damage (affects the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye)
- Central vision loss or decreased night vision
- Bluish or gray skin patches on the face (though rarely around the eyes)

The risk of retinal damage increases with longer use. About 7.5% of people taking it for more than five years experienced eye problems.

Since you're already noticing eye issues at 10 months, it's really important to see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) soon and let them know you're on hydroxychloroquine. A baseline eye exam is recommended when starting the medication, and yearly exams after five years of use — but any new symptoms deserve attention sooner.

As one MyLupusTeam member shared, they visit a retinologist every six months to monitor for changes while on an antimalarial medication.

Don't wait on this one — loop in your doctor right away! 👁️

September 12

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