Although the vast majority of patients on long term Plaquenil theraphy never develop vision loss, eye clinicians (as well as the prescribing rheumatologists and the patients themselves) remain concerned about the small number who do since severe and irreversible vision loss occasionally results.
As documented in the case and discussion that follow, several advanced diagnostic technologies may prove helpful in early detection of Plaquenil induced retinal toxicity. These abnormalities may occur prior to ophthalmoscopic evidence of retinopathy.