The risk association between systemic lupus erythematosus and glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

The risk association between systemic lupus erythematosus and glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Xue Li

  • Fang Wang

  • Liming Zhu

  • Xi Tian

  • Xi Yang

  • June 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Relationship Between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Glaucoma

Overview

This meta-analysis evaluates the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and glaucoma. The analysis included five cohort studies with a total of 5,516,709 participants.

Background

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to various ocular manifestations, affecting approximately one-third of patients. Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, may be a risk for SLE patients, particularly due to the effects of long-term glucocorticoid treatment.

Data Highlights

MeasureValue
Odds Ratio (OR)2.85
95% Confidence Interval (CI)1.26–6.47
P-value0.01

Key Findings

  • SLE is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.26–6.47).
  • The meta-analysis included five cohort studies with a total of 5,516,709 participants.
  • Stronger associations were observed in studies with fewer covariate adjustments.
  • Studies not adjusting for corticosteroid use showed a higher risk association.
  • More prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and control for confounding factors.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the increased risk of glaucoma in SLE patients, particularly those on glucocorticoids.

Conclusion

The findings indicate an association between SLE and an increased risk of glaucoma.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Correction: The association between systemic lupus erythematosus and cognitive impairment or dementia: a meta-analysis
  2. Ophthalmology Management, 2022 -- GLAUCOMA AND UVEITIS: A COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
  3. Clinical Rheumatology, 2022 -- A comprehensive review of structural MRI findings in the brains of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  4. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- From empirical treatment to precision intervention: a multi-database bibliometric analysis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (2006–2025)
  5. 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guideline for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Sammaritano - Arthritis Care & Research
  6. Incidence of glaucoma in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea - PubMed
  7. Conjunctival and retinal microvascular loss in systemic lupus erythematosus: a swept-source OCTA study | Journal of Translational Medicine
  8. 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guideline for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Sammaritano - Arthritis Care & Research - Wiley Online Library
  9. Incidence of glaucoma in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea - PubMed
  10. Conjunctival and retinal microvascular loss in systemic lupus erythematosus: a swept-source OCTA study | Journal of Translational Medicine | Springer Nature Link

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