Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is rare.
When it does occur, Plaquenil side effects can be devastating to your vision.
Initially, central vision is not affected.
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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 sparked by these Plaquenil side effects are permanent, so early detection of this condition is paramount.
These changes may include blurry vision, circular patterns, or changes in how you see color.
The organization says that duration of use relative to daily dose/weight is a more accurate measure.
Guidelines for Plaquenil screenings have expanded over the years and the technology for detecting retinal changes has improved.
Yet Plaquenil has side effects that may harm your eyes and vision in potentially serious and permanent ways.
The long-term use of Plaquenil increases the risk of a rare but severe condition called hydroxychloroquine retinopathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but in some cases stopping the drug will limit the damage.
This is why its so important for people taking Plaquenil to be carefully monitored.
Yet some researchers are finding new patterns of eye damage beyond the classic bulls-eye ring on the retina.
Yes, although there is no known or established level of hydroxychloroquine in adults thats considered toxic or lethal.
Doses over 5 grams may prove fatal because of electrolyte imbalances and impacts on heart function.
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