What is Plaquenil?

Why Are Plaquenil Eye Exams Important?

Plaquenil® (hydroxychloroquine) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While it is generally safe and effective, long-term use can occasionally affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision.

Because retinal damage often develops without noticeable symptoms, regular eye screenings are essential. Detecting changes early can help prevent permanent vision loss while allowing you and your physician to make informed decisions about your treatment.

Who Needs Plaquenil Screenings?

Anyone taking Plaquenil should have regular eye examinations to monitor for retinal changes.

Your risk of retinal toxicity increases if you:

• Have taken Plaquenil for more than five years

• Take higher daily doses

• Have kidney disease

• Have pre-existing retinal disease

• Take certain medications, such as tamoxifen

Most patients should have a baseline eye examination within the first year of starting Plaquenil, followed by annual screenings after five years of use. Patients at higher risk may need to be monitored more frequently.

Signs & Symptoms

Plaquenil-related retinal changes usually cause no symptoms in the early stages. As damage progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty reading

• Changes in color vision

• Missing or distorted areas in your central vision

Because these changes can be permanent, routine screening is the best way to protect your eyesight.

How We Screen for Plaquenil Toxicity

We use advanced diagnostic technology to detect the earliest signs of retinal damage, including:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate the retinal layers.

• Visual Field Testing to detect subtle changes in central vision.

• Retinal imaging to document and monitor retinal health over time.

These tests allow us to identify even very early changes, often before you notice any symptoms.

Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF)

Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) is a specialized imaging test we offer that allows us to evaluate the health of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells that supports the retina and is particularly vulnerable to Plaquenil toxicity. The test uses naturally occurring fluorescence within the retina to create detailed images without the need for dye injections.

FAF can reveal subtle retinal changes before they become visible during a routine eye examination or begin affecting your vision. When combined with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and visual field testing, FAF provides valuable information that helps us detect early signs of Plaquenil-related retinal damage and monitor your retinal health over time.

Protecting Your Vision

Plaquenil remains an excellent medication for many patients, and most people take it safely for years without developing retinal damage. Regular screening allows us to monitor your eye health while helping you continue treatment safely whenever possible.

If you are taking Plaquenil, keeping up with your recommended eye examinations is one of the best ways to protect your vision. If we detect any changes, we will communicate our findings with your prescribing physician to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.​​