OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune, multisystem disease which may affect the eyes and/or visual system in up to a third of patients. These ocular manifestations cause significant morbidity in their own right, but can also be a useful indicator of underlying systemic disease activity. Although early recognition and treatment have led to a reduction in severe ocular complications, ocular involvement in SLE is still a potentially blinding condition. Sometimes lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and/or nervous system.