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Northlake Eye
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Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) Retinopathy
Hydroxychloroquine, commonly known by its brand name Plaquenil, is a medication primarily used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. While effective, long-term use of hydroxychloroquine can lead to a serious eye condition known as retinopathy.
Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is a condition where the drug causes damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This damage can lead to vision loss and, if not caught early, can be irreversible.
Early detection of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is crucial in preventing permanent vision loss. Patients taking this medication should have regular comprehensive eye exams, including visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT).