Incidental retinal vascular occlusions on hydroxychloroquine screening in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE The proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who manifest retinal involvement increases many fold in patients with active systemic disease. The objective of this report is to stress upon the significance of comprehensive ophthalmic assessment of all SLE patients to prevent and manage blinding ocular manifestations of the disease. METHODS Retrospective case review. RESULTS Incidental retinal vascular complications seen in patients undergoing baseline hydroxychloroquine screening. CONCLUSION The purpose of comprehensive ophthalmic screening in SLE patients is twofold. It will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of blinding ocular complications of the disease and monitor hydroxychloroquine macular toxicity.