Is there any correlation between declining eyesight (myopia) and lupus?

[fragorosvar]

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Hi - I don't know the answer to this. However some of the lupus drugs are not so good for the eyes.

If you are taking hydroxychloroquine, you should see your optician yearly rather than every two years because it can affect your eyes. And steroids (eg prednisilone) can cause cataracts - so again, be regular with your eye checks.

[margareth8537]

I have had lupus for 20 years and have always had poor eyesight. Sjogrens caused me problems with dry eyes and I was sent to a consultant ophthAlmologist because of that. I also have been on 400 mg of hydroxychloriquine a day for over 10 years, so have had regular eye checks because of this.

I have macular degeneration, which does not appear to link to lupus.

Trouble is that we are as likely as anyone else to experience problems, but we are inclined to think it is all connected to lupus. Seems unfair to get the other things as well.

Persevere with getting help as your eyesight is incredibly important.

Margaret

[Sher78]

I have had this conversation with many Rheumys & eye specialists over the years (weighing up the pros & cons of laser eye surgery) & no 1 can seem 2 agree on an answer :0/

[roobarb in reply to Sher78]

Sher, I had laser eye surgery pre-lupus, because I found it difficult to wear contacts due to dry eyes. Big clue of what was to come there!

[Sher78 in reply to roobarb]

same problem, when I wear my lenses, I have 2 keep putting drops in even though I wear the 'extra moist' 1's. Can only wear them 4 a few hours at a time :0( Sjogrens 4 ya ;0) How long did u get b4 u're vision started 2 deteriorate? Think that's made my mind up 4 me ;0)

[roobarb in reply to Sher78]

It was a good while, as I had laser correction 10 years ago & it's only in the last year that my eye sight has started to deteriorated. Which could also be my age, I'm 45. So I feel like I got my moneys worth, as it were. Might still be worth having a free consultation, to get all the info, if you haven't already. X

[roobarb]

Frag, I'm finding my sight, long & short both deteriorating recently & wonder if it's something to do with my lupus being more active. I've also got lots of 'floaters' over past year or so, but this may be to do with my eyes feeling more dry. I will ask the optician when I have the spoons to get there.

[fragorosvar]

Thanks for all answers. I am asking this because I remember my eyesight deteriorate from -3 to -6,5 in a week during the period when I first got the diagnosis. After the chemotherapy it went back to 5,5. And still my physician is saying that there is no known connection between lupus and myopia. Well, it is true that there is no documented studies that proves it which is why I asked this question here.