What visual field is used for Plaquenil?

“Today it is recommended that every single person on Plaquenil get a visual field 10-2 test, plus one of the three other highly sensitive screening tests: the FAF (fundus autofluorescence imaging), the SD-OCT (spectral domain optical coherence), or the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG),” Thomas says.

What does Plaquenil do to the macula?

How Does Plaquenil Affect the Eyes? Plaquenil is believed to cause changes in the pigment of the macula, or the central portion of the retina responsible for clear, sharp central vision. The macula is also responsible for most of our color vision and it allows us to see fine detail.

Does Plaquenil cause macular degeneration?

Hydroxychloroquin Retinopathy In some people, Plaquenil can cause a condition called hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, often referred to as bulls-eye maculopathy. (The condition can cause the appearance of a target, or bulls-eye ring, on the retina surrounding the macula.)

What damage can Plaquenil do to your eyes?

Plaquenil related eye complications are not common. Plaquenil can produce pigment changes in the macula of the retina. The retina is the part of the back of the eye that you see with. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for central fine vision.

What happens to the retina when Plaquenil is taken?

Although the incidence of macular toxicity is infrequent with Plaquenil use (at a dosage of 200mg or 400mg q.d.), its visual impact can be devastating.2,3. The associated classic retinal toxicity is described as a bull’s eye maculopathy (ring of depigmented retinal pigment epithelium that spares the foveal area).

Is it safe to take Plaquenil for macular degeneration?

Although Plaquenil has a relatively safe systemic profile overall and Plaquenil macular toxicity is rare, clinicians must be cognizant of its potential for visual devastation.

How is Plaquenil related to BULL’s eye maculopathy?

The associated classic retinal toxicity is described as a bull’s eye maculopathy (ring of depigmented retinal pigment epithelium that spares the foveal area). Initially, central visual acuity may be unaffected, but the patient may notice related paracentral scotomas that often interfere with reading.

When to see an optometrist for Plaquenil toxicity?

Remember, any patient who is at a high risk for Plaquenil toxicity should be examined on an annual basis following the baseline exam. The goal of monitoring/screening is to identify early macular damage prior to irreversible vision loss or even before visible signs of bull’s eye maculopathy.