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Lupus is a type of autoimmune disease that leads to swelling and damage throughout the body, including the tissues of the eyes. There are many different eye conditions that affect people with lupus, including cataracts. Here's what you need to know about this serious eye problem.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a common vision problem; they affect about 2.5 million Canadians. The cornea is the lens in the front of your eye. Sometimes, the cornea can become cloudy, which makes your pupil look milk-colored, instead of black. This cloudiness is a cataract. Cataracts are a big problem because they block light from passing through your cornea and reaching the back of your eye.
Cataracts cause symptoms like blurred vision, trouble seeing clearly at night or in poorly lit rooms, and needing to get new eyeglass prescriptions frequently. You may also have other problems like double vision. An opaque spot may be visible on the surface of your eye; over time, this spot will grow larger.
How does lupus cause cataracts?
Lupus can make your corneas swell, and if the swelling isn't dealt with quickly, the cells can become damaged by the increased pressure. The cells then clump together and form opaque areas, which eventually spread, until your entire cornea becomes cloudy.
Cataracts can also be caused by steroid use. Steroids are used to treat the swelling that lupus causes, but if you take them for too long, your corneas can be damaged. Make sure to carefully follow your doctor's dosage instructions to avoid overusing your steroids.
Does everyone with lupus develop cataracts?
Not everyone who has lupus will develop cataracts, but this complication is fairly common. One study followed 70 patients with lupus and found that 15 of them (21.4%) developed cataracts. The study revealed that cataracts are the second most common eye complication that affects lupus patients, after chronic dry eye.
Do cataracts make you go blind?
Cataracts are a very serious problem, and if they're not treated, blindness will eventually be the result. Cataracts are the biggest cause of blindness throughout the world. This is why it's important to see your optometrist as soon as you start noticing any changes in your vision.
Are cataracts treatable?
Cataracts can be treated with surgery. Some cataracts can be removed without removing the cornea, but you may also need to get a corneal transplant. Your optometrist will need to examine your eyes to let you know what type of surgery you'll need.
If you have lupus, pay attention to changes in your vision. If you notice any changes, see a professional optometrist, like those at Cowan's Optical, right away to discuss if you might be developing a cataract.
Share10 June 2015
