Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) Eye Screening
In Baldwin Park and the San Gabriel Valley
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If you take Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), yearly screening helps catch retinal changes before they affect your vision.
Safe long term use of hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a valuable medicine for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Over years of use, it can damage the retina. This toxicity causes no symptoms early on and the damage is permanent, so regular screening is essential.
Who needs screening
Anyone taking hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:
- A baseline exam within the first year of starting the medicine
- Yearly screening after 5 years of use for people at low risk
- Yearly screening sooner for people with higher risk
Higher risk factors
- A daily dose above 5 mg per kilogram of your actual body weight
- Long duration of use
- Kidney disease
- Use of tamoxifen
- Existing retina or macula disease
How we screen
Screening uses sensitive tests that can show early changes before you notice anything: OCT imaging of the retina and automated visual field testing, with additional tests when needed. Patients of Asian descent often show early changes in a different area of the retina, so we adjust testing accordingly.
What happens if changes are found
We share the results with your prescribing doctor, who decides with you whether to change or stop the medicine. Finding toxicity early limits how much vision is affected.
Take the next step. It’s easy.
Related care to consider
Plaquenil screening FAQs
Should I stop Plaquenil to protect my eyes?
No. Do not stop or change the dose without talking to your prescribing doctor. Screening lets you continue the medicine safely and catches problems early.
Will I notice symptoms if the medicine affects my eyes?
Usually not until the damage is advanced, which is why screening matters. Later symptoms can include trouble reading or missing spots near the center of vision.
Can you send results to my rheumatologist?
Yes. Bring your prescriber’s name and the dose you take, and we will share the report.
Let’s take care of your eyes
Call, text or request an appointment online. We verify your insurance before your visit.
3000 Big Dalton Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and some Saturdays