--- title: "Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and eye screening" description: "Why hydroxychloroquine screening matters, recommended test intervals, what OCT and visual field tests look for, and symptoms to report." url: https://eyehealthguide.org/eye-care/plaquenil-and-eye-screening/ source: Eye Health Guide licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer." --- Eye care guide # Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and eye screening Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026 ### About this review This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded. [How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/) Quick answer Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) treats autoimmune conditions but can rarely damage the retina with long-term use. Baseline eye tests before or soon after starting, then regular screening with OCT and visual fields, detect problems early while you may still have no symptoms. Report new blur, reading difficulty or light flashes promptly. ### On this page ⌄ 1. Why screening is needed 2. Recommended schedule 3. At the screening visit 4. Between screenings 5. Frequently asked questions ## Why screening is needed Retinal toxicity is uncommon but can cause permanent central vision loss if missed. Risk rises with higher doses, long duration, kidney disease and tamoxifen use. Screening finds early changes before you notice them, allowing dose review or stopping the drug with your rheumatologist. ## Recommended schedule Guidelines evolve, but most programmes include: - Baseline assessment within the first year of starting, or before if possible - Annual screening after five years of use, or sooner if high risk - OCT scanning of the macula and at least one visual field test - More frequent checks if early changes appear ## At the screening visit You may have vision checks, OCT scans that map retinal layers, and visual field tests that detect small blind spots. Dilation is sometimes used. Bring your drug dose history and other medicines. ## Between screenings There is no proven home test to replace clinic screening. Report new difficulty reading, blurred central vision, distorted lines or unusual light sensations to your rheumatologist and eye team between routine visits. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I keep taking Plaquenil if screening is normal? Yes — regular screening is designed so most people continue their rheumatology treatment safely. Abnormal results are reviewed with your rheumatologist. ### Does Plaquenil always damage the eyes? No. Most long-term users never develop retinal toxicity, but screening is essential because damage can be irreversible once symptoms appear. ### Who performs Plaquenil screening? Optometrists or ophthalmologists familiar with current guidelines. Ask for OCT and visual field testing, not vision alone. Your next step ## Take this to your appointment Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment. Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet. ## Trusted sources For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article. - [NHS — Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/) - [Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/) - [American Academy of Ophthalmology — EyeHealth](https://www.aao.org/eye-health) - [National Eye Institute (NIH)](https://www.nei.nih.gov/) - [College of Optometrists — Look After Your Eyes](https://lookafteryoureyes.org/) - [World Health Organization — Eye care, vision impairment and blindness](https://www.who.int/health-topics/blindness-and-vision-loss)