How Do Ophthalmologists Look for Plaquenil Damage?
Your ophthalmologist may use these tests to look for retina damage from Plaquenil:
- Visual field test: During this test you sit down and look into a bowl-like machine. Small lights flash at different points inside the bowl. When you see the lights, you press a button. This test can help find if blind spots have developed in your field of vision.
- OCT imaging: This test makes a detailed, three-dimensional image of your eye. Your ophthalmologist can use this image to look for early retinal damage.
- Multifocal ERG: This test looks at cells in the retina called rods and cones. The test measures how well these cells respond to light. It can find retinal damage from Plaquenil.
- Photos: A special camera takes pictures of the retina. Photos show damaged areas as small spots of light.
If you take Plaquenil, it is important to see an ophthalmologist while you take this medicine.
What happens if retinal damage is found?
If your ophthalmologist finds any signs of retinal damage, he or she will tell your primary care doctor or inflammatory disease specialist to stop Plaquenil treatment immediately. This will help you avoid permanent vision loss. Your other doctor will find another treatment for your disease.