How else can lupus affect the eyes?
Other eye-related problems are much less common; although they should be taken seriously as they may be painful or may affect eyesight. Lupus can cause inflammation of the white coat of the eye (scleritis), which may be very painful and is usually visible as a bright red patch on part or all of the white of the eye. This is a more serious condition than conjunctivitis, which is more common and is usually due to infection. Conjunctivitis is irritating rather than very painful and may be associated with a sticky discharge. Occasionally there is inflammation at the back of the eye either of the retina (retinopathy) or of the main nerve (optic neuropathy), either of which may affect one’s eyesight. Rarely the nerves to the muscles that move the eyes can be affected causing double vision. For this reason any severe eye-pain, loss of vision or double vision should be reported to your doctor urgently. Treatment may require steroids, or other immunosuppressive medications once infection has be
