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Uveitis · Dr. Alan Treviño

Arthritis, lupus and your eyes

Rheumatic diseases can inflame or dry the eye and, through their medicines, affect the retina. Timely eye exams protect your vision.

Reviewed by Dr. Alan Treviño, board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in retina and uveitis · Updated: November 2026

Evaluations in San Pedro Garza García (Río de la Plata 113, Col. Del Valle), minutes from Monterrey.

Dr. Alan Treviño, ophthalmologist for patients with arthritis and lupus in Monterrey, Mexico
Certificate No. 4209Mexican Board of Ophthalmology
Extensive surgical experienceCataract, retina and vitreous
National System of ResearchersMember of Mexico's SNI
RetinaSubspecialty training in retina and vitreous
UveitisFellowship in ocular inflammation
Premium cataract surgeryPremium intraocular lenses
Personalized careYou are seen directly by Dr. Treviño
Compassionate careTime to listen and answer your questions
Social commitmentCommitted to our community
Outpatient careNo hospital stay
Private health insuranceWe help you with the paperwork
Payment optionsCash, card or bank transfer
In short

Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Sjögren syndrome and other autoimmune diseases can affect the eyes: dry eye, scleritis, uveitis or inflammation of retinal vessels. Medicines such as hydroxychloroquine also need retina checks to detect damage before it affects vision. We work with your rheumatologist: we examine, report and adjust follow-up to your disease and treatment.

Disease by disease

How does each disease affect the eye?

DiseaseMost common eye problemWhat you may notice
Rheumatoid arthritisDry eye, episcleritis and scleritisBurning, grittiness; deep, severe pain with scleritis
LupusDry eye, retinal vasculitis, choroidopathyDryness; blurred vision or spots
Juvenile idiopathic arthritisChronic anterior uveitisOften nothing: it may not hurt or look red
Sjögren syndromeSevere dry eyeBurning, fluctuating vision, light sensitivity
Spondylitis and HLA-B27Acute anterior uveitisRed eye, pain and light sensitivity
Vasculitis (granulomatosis, Behçet and others)Scleritis, uveitis or retinal vasculitisPainful red eye or vision loss

Scleritis causes deep pain that can wake you at night. If you have it, get checked soon.

Medications

Hydroxychloroquine screening

Before starting

A baseline retina exam.

Every year

After 5 years of use; sooner if you have risk factors.

Tests

Macular OCT and visual field.

Higher risk

High dose, kidney disease or tamoxifen: more frequent checks.

Hydroxychloroquine damage can appear without symptoms and does not reverse. Detecting it early lets your rheumatologist adjust treatment in time.

Children

Juvenile arthritis: exams even without symptoms

Silent uveitis

Can damage the eye without pain or redness.

Regular exams

Every 3 to 12 months, depending on risk.

Slit lamp

The only way to detect it early.

Coordination

With the pediatric rheumatologist.

FAQ

Questions about rheumatic diseases and the eyes

I have rheumatoid arthritis and a red eye. Is it urgent?
If there is also deep pain or vision loss, yes: it may be scleritis. If there is only burning or grittiness, it is usually dry eye, but it should be checked.
How often should I be checked on hydroxychloroquine?
A baseline exam when starting, then yearly after 5 years of use, or sooner with risk factors.
My child has juvenile arthritis and sees well. Does he or she need exams?
Yes. Uveitis in juvenile arthritis often causes no symptoms. Regular exams are the only way to catch it early.
Can I continue my rheumatology treatment?
Yes. Do not stop any medicine without talking to your rheumatologist; we send them the eye report.
Dr. Alan Treviño performing an eye exam with a slit lamp
Meet your ophthalmologist

Why Dr. Alan Treviño?

With subspecialty training in both uveitis and retina, Dr. Alan Treviño treats the inflammation and its retinal complications. Consultations are available in English.

  • Board-certified by the Mexican Board of Ophthalmology (No. 4209).
  • Fellowship in Medical and Surgical Retina at LV Prasad Eye Institute (India).
  • Fellowship in Ocular Inflammatory Diseases and Uveitis (APEC, UNAM).
  • Clinical rotation in Cornea and Retina at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (University of Miami).
  • Member of Mexico's National System of Researchers.
Easy access to care

We accept private health insurance

Coverage depends on your policy. We guide you and help with the paperwork. See all insurers →

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BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

San Pedro Garza García: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm.
Sabinas Hidalgo (Punto Visión): Fridays, 9 am to 6 pm. English spoken.

Dr. Alan Treviño logo, ophthalmologist and retina specialist in San Pedro Garza García

VISIT US AT ANY OF OUR CLINICS

Centro Interamericano de Alta Especialidad en Oftalmología building, Río de la Plata 113, San Pedro Garza García

San Pedro Garza García

Centro Interamericano de Alta Especialidad en Oftalmología

Río de la Plata 113, Col. Del Valle,

66220 San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico.

Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 9 am to 2 pm

Punto Visión ophthalmology clinic, Porfirio Díaz 507, Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León

Sabinas Hidalgo

Punto Visión · Porfirio Díaz 507, Downtown,

65200 Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Mexico.

Fridays, 9 am to 6 pm.

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