Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)
Eye Exam & Screening
in Saginaw

hydroxychloroquine or HCQ drug in colourful letters on table used for malaria

Plaquenil® (hydroxychloroquine) is commonly prescribed to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions. While highly effective, long-term use can affect the retina and lead to Plaquenil retinal toxicity, which may cause permanent vision loss if not detected early.

At MiVision Eye Care, we provide comprehensive Plaquenil eye exams and advanced retinal screening to help patients safely continue treatment while protecting their vision.

📍 Conveniently located in Saginaw, Michigan, we work closely with rheumatologists and primary care providers throughout the region.

Why Are Plaquenil Eye Exams Important?

Plaquenil can accumulate in the retina over time, particularly in the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision. Retinal damage may occur without early symptoms, making routine screening essential.

Without proper monitoring, Plaquenil toxicity can lead to:

Permanent central vision loss
Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
Distorted or blurred vision
Changes that may continue even after stopping the medication

Early detection is critical—once retinal damage occurs, it cannot be reversed.

When Should Plaquenil Eye Screening Begin?

According to guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, patients should follow this schedule:

Baseline eye exam within the first year of starting Plaquenil
Annual screening after 5 years of use
Earlier and more frequent exams if risk factors are present

Higher-Risk Patients Include Those Who:

Take Plaquenil for more than 5 years
Use higher daily doses
Have kidney disease
Have pre-existing retinal or macular disease
Are over age 60

What Tests Are Included in a Plaquenil Eye Exam?

At MiVision Eye Care, we use state-of-the-art retinal technology to detect even subtle early changes related to Plaquenil use. Your Plaquenil screening may include:

Comprehensive dilated eye exam
Evaluates overall eye health and allows close inspection of the retina and macula.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Provides high-resolution imaging of the macula to identify early retinal thinning or structural damage.
Visual field testing (10-2 or 24-2)
Detects subtle blind spots or functional changes associated with early Plaquenil toxicity.
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) (when indicated)
Highlights metabolic stress and early changes in retinal cells before vision is affected.

These tests allow us to detect Plaquenil-related retinal toxicity before symptoms or vision loss occur, helping protect long-term visual health.

Can I Stay on Plaquenil If Changes Are Found?

In many cases, early changes can be detected before permanent damage occurs. If concerning findings appear:

We communicate directly with your prescribing physician
Recommendations are tailored to your individual risk
Decisions are made collaboratively to protect both vision and systemic health

Our goal is not to stop effective treatment unnecessarily, but to ensure it is used safely.

Plaquenil Eye Exams in Saginaw, MI

MiVision Eye Care is a physician-owned ophthalmology practice dedicated to personalized, high-quality eye care. Patients trust us for advanced diagnostic testing, clear communication, and collaborative care.

We proudly serve patients from:

Saginaw
Bay City
Midland
Frankenmuth
Surrounding Mid-Michigan communities

How long does a Plaquenil eye exam take?

Does Plaquenil always cause eye damage?

Can I skip my eye exam if my vision feels normal?

Will my insurance cover Plaquenil screening?

Schedule Your Plaquenil Eye Exam

If you are taking Plaquenil or hydroxychloroquine, routine eye screening is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your vision.

📞 Call MiVision Eye Care at 989-321-2655, book online or contact us below to schedule your Plaquenil eye exam today.

Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) Eye Exam & Screening in Saginaw