Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex connective tissue disease involving multiple organs including various ocular structures including the eyelid, orbit, ocular adnexa, sclera, cornea, retina, uvea, and optic nerve. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the most common ocular manifestation resulting in patients that suffer from dry eye symptoms, whereas severe vaso-occlusive lupus retinopathy is the most vision-threatening condition associated with the disease. SLE is a serious systemic disease that may first present with ocular manifestations. In addition, ocular manifestations are often associated with severe systemic inflammation and can be a marker for systemic prognosis. Thus, it is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the association of visual disorders with SLE to detect and treat the ocular manifestations of SLE.