Retinal problems are common in patients with lupus. These issues can include:
- Retinal vasculitis can occur as an isolated condition or as a complication of a local or systemic inflammatory disorder. It is characterized by inflammation of the vascular branches of the retinal artery.
- Cotton wool spots are light-colored, fluffy spots on the retina, found at the back of the eye. They may result from reduced blood flow, immune and inflammatory responses, or infections. Other possible causes include cancer, blood disorders, intracranial hypertension, medications, and injury
- Retinal hemorrhages refer to bleeding that occurs in the retina.
- Retinal vaso-occlusive disease occurs when small veins in the back of the eye become blocked, preventing blood flow.
- Optic neuritis This condition involves swelling that damages the optic nerve, leading to pain and vision loss. It has strong associations with autoimmune diseases and multiple sclerosis.
- Choroidopathy This term broadly describes any disease or disorder that affects the choroid, which is the vascular layer of the eye, between the retina and the sclera
The severity of retinal involvement in lupus can vary, ranging from mild to severe vision loss. If you have lupus and are experiencing any vision problems, it is essential to consult both your rheumatologist and eye care specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent damage to your vision.
Regular eye exams are recommended for individuals with lupus, especially for those taking medications like hydroxychloroquine, which can also have eye-related side effects.
Sources:
www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.mayoclinic.org
www.healthline.gov
www.clevelandclinic.org
www.hss.edu
Photo sources:
www.clevelandclinic.org
www.ophthalmologybreakingnews.com/
www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za
www.eyewiki.org
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