Discoid lupus erythematosus presenting as asymmetric posterior blepharitis.

PURPOSE

To describe the ophthalmic findings of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus.

METHOD

We describe two women who originally were thought to have asymmetric posterior blepharitis; however, the involved eyelid also had an erythematous, scaly cutaneous lesion.

RESULT

In both patients, histology and immunofluorescence studies performed on cutaneous biopsy specimens established the diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to diagnose discoid lupus of the eyelids because misdiagnosis can delay treatment and thus lead to deformities of the eyelid margin. Misdiagnosis can also lead to a complicated full-thickness eyelid biopsy and delay the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.