Systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease of multisystemic involvement. Ocular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus may present in any structure of the eye. Cataract formation and the appearance of secondary diabetes associated to prolonged steroid therapy are common in these patients. A case is presented of a female 69-year-old patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus of more than 20 years' evolution, treated with 5 mg daily of oral prednisone at maintenance doses. The patient also reports controlled diabetes mellitus type 2 of more than ten years' evolution. Her main concern in attending Ophthalmology consultation is vision reduction. Cataract is diagnosed in her right eye. The treatment indicated is phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation following prophylaxis for endophthalmitis. Cataract associated to secondary diabetes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus justifies the use of anti-inflammatory prophylaxis with topical and systemic steroids to ensure minimum postoperative inflammation and improve visual prognosis.

Key words: Systemic lupus erythematosus; diabetes; cataract; ocular inflammation; phacoemulsification.