Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and your eyes
News in ophthalmology : Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and your eyes
Posted on March 1, 2014
What side effects can Plaquenil have in the eye?
Although Plaquenil is of proven benefit for a number of medical problems, very rarely it can cause damage to the eyes (1% at 10 years and 3% at 20 years). Early symptoms may be subtle. Small blind spots may develop just above or below the center of vision. Sometimes they progress to form a doughnut-shaped blind area around the central vision. If not detected early, the central vision itself may be lost. When this occurs, color vision is usually affected. These symptoms, however, are not specific to Plaquenil damage. The Eye MD must use special tests to determine whether any eye changes are due to Plaquenil or not. Ocular side effects appear to be dose related, so the risk increases with increased daily dosage. Individuals less than 5’3” to 5’7” in height regardless of weight should take less than 400mg of Plaquenil per day. Additionally, a person who weighs less than 135 pounds should take less than 400mg of Plaquenil per day according to current recommendations. Other factors that may increase the risk of ocular damage include age over 60 years, kidney disease, and liver disease.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Plaquenil is an effective medication with fewer side effects than other medicines used for the same purpose. However, it is important to monitor your eyes for side effects that might indicate the need to stop taking Plaquenil. The Amsler grid chart (below) should be checked at least once a week testing each eye separately, using glasses if needed. Look for a missing part of the grid either above or below the central dot while looking only at the center of the grid. Additionally, your Eye MD should examine your eyes every year with specific testing to look for early signs of retinal changes.
What happens if you develop retinal changes from Plaquenil?
Retinal damage from Plaquenil is extremely rare. If early retinal changes are found, Plaquenil may be discontinued. By discontinuing Plaquenil at an early stage, vision can be saved. Continued examination is important to monitor the eyes for further changes.
