Lupus and eye concerns

I have lupus and extremely dry eyes.  Also, my doctor has started me on plaquenil.  My questions are:

1.  What have you found that works well for very dry eyes?  Systane isn't doing much for me.

2.  With all the warnings about plaquenil causing eye problems, what (in your estimate) is the real risk?  Is it just over cautious testing or is there a very real risk?

Thank you,
Brenda

[Forum-OD-MP]

the risk with plaquenil is bullseye maculopathy:

http://www.lupus.org/education/topics/plaquenil.html

and acquired color vision deficiency:

http://www.eyemdlink.com/Condition.asp?ConditionID=351

both are fairly rare complications of plaquenil use, but common enough for us eye docs to be closely monitoring plaquenil users for them.  i wish i could give you percentages, etc.  but the threat of vision loss is certainly 'real', if fairly rare.

as for dryness, try SOOTHE emollient:

http://www.sootheeyedrops.com/

if that doesnt give you relief, my next step is to Rx restasis:

http://www.restasis.com/default2.htm

good luck...

[aimee37]

Thank you very much, your links were very informational!

[Shana110]

A related discussion, Lups and the eye or episcleritis was started.