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Plaquenil Eye Exam services offered in Fairfax, VA
Some eye health problems are brought on by certain medical conditions and medications. If you’ve taken hydroxychloroquine, a Plaquenil® eye exam might be an important part of your eye health planning and is available from board-certified ophthalmologist Mehrine Shaikh, MD, at Fairfax Cataract and Retina in Fairfax, Virginia. Call the office or request an appointment online today.
What’s Plaquenil, and how does it affect my eye health?
Plaquenil, also known as hydroxychloroquine sulfate, is a type of medication used to treat several health conditions. Originally used in preventing and treating malaria, the drug was eventually used to improve the following health issues:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Other autoimmune conditions
While Plaquenil can be an incredibly effective means of reducing the symptoms associated with these health issues, it is also known to increase your risk for eye health problems.
Am I at risk for vision loss and in need of a Plaquenil eye exam?
Understanding your risk level is an essential part of protecting your eye health. While taking Plaquenil at any dosage for any length of time will increase your risk of eye problems, some factors elevate your risk levels even more.
If any of the following apply, reach out to Fairfax Cataract and Retina to schedule a Plaquinil eye exam with Dr. Shaikh:
- You’ve taken Plaquenil for more than five years
- You’re above the age of 60
- You also have liver or kidney disease
- You’ve taken Plaquenil at higher-than-recommended doses
- You have existing retinal disease
Once you have your first Plaquenil eye exam, Dr. Shaikh will explain the proper timing for all future exams. Adhering to this schedule is an essential part of managing your eye health alongside your overall health. Ideally, you’ll have a Plaquenil eye exam within the first year of beginning this medication.
What happens if damage is detected during my Plaquenil eye exam?
If your Plaquenil eye exam reveals signs of damage, Dr. Shaikh will work with you to determine your next steps. Unfortunately, if retinal damage has already occurred, there is no way to reverse that damage. The focus shifts to preventing any additional harm.
Ceasing Plaquenil treatment is the only way to protect against additional harm. However, there are other options for treating autoimmune conditions, and exploring these options is often the best way to proceed.
If you have additional questions or concerns about the ways that Plaquenil can impact your eye health and vision, schedule a visit with Dr. Shaikh at Fairfax Cataract and Retina at your earliest convenience.
Call the office during normal business hours to check appointment availability, or request an appointment online today.