Advances and outlook for lupus retinopathy

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Lupus retinopathy is a common ocular manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). If left undiagnosed and untreated in a timely manner, severe vaso-occlusive lupus retinopathy can result in substantial visual impairment.

Areas covered

This review highlights the recent advances in diagnostic imaging modalities and explores future perspectives in this field. Additionally, we discuss the retinal toxicities associated with lupus therapeutics, specifically hydroxychloroquine retinopathy and steroid-induced retinal side effects. This review also addresses the latest advancements in the management of lupus retinopathy, including the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy and emerging biological agents. By synthesizing the existing literature and identifying gaps in the current understanding, this review aims to enhance knowledge and provide clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals with advances and outlook for diagnosis, optimal management, and improved outcomes of lupus retinopathy.

Expert opinion

In addition to highlighting potential areas for future research, this review emphasizes the importance of integrating innovative approaches to further advance the field of lupus retinopathy. Furthermore, the exploration of personalized medicine and the identification of biomarkers hold promise for tailoring treatment strategies and optimizing patient outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Advances
• lupus retinopathy
• outlook
• perspectives
• systemic lupus erythematosus

Article highlights

• Lupus retinopathy is a prevalent ocular manifestation of SLE, leading to significant visual impairment if not addressed promptly.

• Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques are revolutionizing the detection and monitoring of lupus retinopathy.

• Therapies such as hydroxychloroquine have associated retinal toxicities that clinicians should be vigilant about.

• The introduction of anti-VEGF therapy and novel biological agents offer promising avenues for the treatment of lupus retinopathy.

• Personalized medicine and biomarker discovery are the forefronts of research, aiming to individualize treatment approaches and enhance patient outcomes.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government MSIT [NRF- 2021R1G1A1013360].