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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is used to treat several inflammatory conditions as well as malaria, but you should be aware that Plaquenil side effects can affect your eyes and vision if you are taking it. Plaquenil is in a class of drugs called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are used to decrease inflammation, pain, and joint damage. While today it is used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, it was used first as an anti-malaria drug. The eye-related side effects of Plaquenil are uncommon but severe enough to warrant paying extra attention to what’s going on. Eric Audras / Getty Images Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy In some people, Plaquenil can cause a condition called hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, often referred to as bull’s-eye maculopathy. The condition can cause the appearance of a target, or bull’s-eye ring, on the retina surrounding the macula. The retina is the tissue in the back of the eye that receives light; the macula is the area responsible for central vision. Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is rare. It is most often seen in cases where the dosage is high or a person has been taking the drug for several years. When it does occur, Plaquenil side effects can be devastating to your vision. Initially, central vision is not affected. You may notice a ring of disrupted vision that can interfere with reading. As the disease progresses, it begins to affect central vision and can become life-altering. The changes caused by these Plaquenil side effects are permanent, so early detection of this condition is paramount.SymptomsIf you have odd visual changes at any time while taking Plaquenil, see a healthcare provider. These changes may include blurry vision, circular patterns, or changes in how you see color. Risk Factors Taking Plaquenil for more than five years is a key risk factor but it
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