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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Is not the only one. Others include:Older agePreexisting retinal diseaseHigher body mass indexHigh dosage relative to weightBeing assigned female at birthChronic kidney disease The cumulative dose of Plaquenil (the total amount you’ve taken over time) was previously considered to be “simple indicator of risk,” according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “but this does not hold up well.” The organization says that “duration of use relative to daily dose/weight” is a more accurate measure. Testing Most rheumatologists recommend that people undergo a baseline eye examination prior to starting Plaquenil. Because retinal toxicity is much more likely after five to seven years, annual exams should start once you’ve been on the drug for five years. Some healthcare providers favor more frequent testing to check for Plaquenil-related vision changes, including a full evaluation every 18-24 months during the first five years and annually thereafter. Guidelines for Plaquenil screenings have expanded over the years and the technology for detecting retinal changes has improved. Currently, a Plaquenil eye exam should including the following: Visual field test to check for narrowing of the visual fieldSpectral-domain optical coherence tomography, which yields high-resolution three-dimensional pictures of the eyeMultifocal electroretinogram to examine the retinaFundus autofluorescence to examine the back of the eye including the retina and macula A healthcare provider may recommend frequent, simple at-home tests in addition to extra eye exams. Summary Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) offers benefits for many people who take the drug to treat inflammatory diseases, like lupus, or as an anti-malarial medication. Yet Plaquenil has side effects that may harm your eyes and vision in potentially serious and permanent ways. The long-term use of Plaquenil increases the risk of a rare but severe condition called hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. It’s for this reason that healthcare providers typically monitor people more closely when they have taken Plaquenil for
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