Plaquenil Eye Exams

Plaquenil, also known by its generic name hydroxychloroquine, is a medication commonly prescribed for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While it can be effective for managing these chronic illnesses, long-term use of Plaquenil carries a risk of retinal toxicity.

What Is a Plaquenil Eye Exam?

A Plaquenil eye exam is a specialized eye evaluation designed to monitor the health of your retina while you’re taking hydroxychloroquine. The primary goal is to detect early signs of retinal toxicity before any symptoms appear, as damage can be irreversible if left untreated.

Why Is It Important?

Hydroxychloroquine can build up in the retina over time, potentially causing Plaquenil retinopathy. This condition can lead to:

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Difficulty reading

• Trouble seeing in low light

• Permanent vision loss in advanced stages

Routine monitoring allows our doctor to identify subtle changes in the retina, often before you notice any symptoms. Early detection can help your prescribing physician adjust or discontinue the medication before significant damage occurs.

Who Needs a Plaquenil Eye Exam?

If you are taking Plaquenil regularly, especially for longer than five years or at higher doses, you should have a baseline eye exam within the first year of starting the medication. Annual follow-up exams are typically recommended after five years of use, or earlier if you have additional risk factors such as:

• Kidney disease

• Pre-existing retinal disease

• High cumulative dosage

• Age over 60

Our optometrist will tailor your monitoring schedule based on your individual risk factors.

What to Expect During the Exam

At Texas State Optical, our Plaquenil eye exams go beyond a standard vision check. The exam typically includes:

• Visual acuity testing: Measures how well you can see at various distances

• Dilated fundus exam: Allows your doctor to view the retina and optic nerve in detail

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): A high-resolution scan that detects early retinal changes

• Visual field testing: Assesses peripheral vision loss

• Fundus autofluorescence or multifocal ERG (if needed): Additional tests to evaluate retinal function and detect subtle toxicity

These diagnostic tools work together to provide a comprehensive view of your retinal health, ensuring that any changes are caught early.

​​​​​​​If you're taking Plaquenil or hydroxychloroquine, don’t wait for vision problems to arise. Call today to schedule your Plaquenil eye exam and stay one step ahead of potential vision changes.