Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-malarial medication which in recent times is used for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other inflammatory and dermatologic conditions. Current article identifies key issues in Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine induced retinopathy. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine(CQ) cause retinal toxicity which is far more common than previously reported. The risk is almost 20% which is very high among patients taking HCQ for greater than 5 years.
Toxicity due to HQ and CQ is dangerous due to irreversible damage caused by progression of visual loss. Therefore, it is important for physicians to minimize the occurrence by timely screening for any retinal abnormalities in patients on long medication regimes. Clinical Manifestation Usually asymptomatic with preservation of visual acuity but…
