Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated uveitis in India - A case series.

PURPOSE: To report the uveitic manifestations of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of all SLE cases with ocular manifestations seen by a single ophthalmologist between 2015 and December 2021.

RESULTS

In total, seven patients with a median age of 40 (range 18-50) years were included in the study. Female (85.7%) predominance was noted. Ocular findings were bilateral in 71% (five patients) of cases. Majority (10 eyes, 83%) of the patients had retinal vasculitis as the common finding. Antinuclear antibodies were positive in all the patients. The vision improved in two (16.6%) eyes, was stable in eight (66%) eyes, and worsened in one (8%) eye. All the patients were treated with oral steroids along with immunosuppressive agents.

CONCLUSION

Though SLE is rare cause of uveitis, it can be associated with significant ocular morbidity. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment can salvage vision in many cases.