Patients on Plaquenil need ongoing retinal monitoring
Retinal toxicity can occur before symptoms ever develop — which is exactly why screening can’t wait for a complaint. EyeSee makes that monitoring simple to do in-house.
Early detection today.
A single retinal image screens for hydroxychloroquine toxicity — read by an ophthalmologist, not an algorithm alone.
-
Toxicity is often silent
Damage can progress before a patient notices any change in vision.
-
And it’s irreversible
Once retinal damage occurs it can’t be undone — so early detection is everything.
-
Your camera, your patient
RetinaVue-compatible and device-agnostic. No referral out the door.
Who takes hydroxychloroquine — and why it matters to you
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders. These patients often take it for years, and they’re already being seen — in rheumatology, primary care, and on-site clinics. That’s your opportunity to screen them where they already are.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A cornerstone DMARD for RA, often taken for years to control joint inflammation — exactly the long-term exposure that raises retinal-toxicity risk.
Systemic Lupus (SLE)
Hydroxychloroquine is foundational therapy for lupus. Many patients stay on it indefinitely, making ongoing retinal surveillance essential.
Other Autoimmune Disorders
Sjögren’s, mixed connective-tissue disease, and other inflammatory conditions are also managed with hydroxychloroquine — and carry the same monitoring need.
Why annual retinal screening matters
Hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity is the kind of complication that gives no early warning — which is exactly why a structured screening program exists. Here’s the reasoning in plain terms.
It can appear before symptoms
Retinal changes from hydroxychloroquine can develop while a patient still sees perfectly well. By the time vision is affected, damage may already be done.
And it’s irreversible
There is no treatment to reverse established toxicity. The only protective tool is catching changes early — and that requires looking, not waiting.
Guidelines call for monitoring
General ophthalmology guidance recommends a baseline retinal evaluation within the first year, then regular annual screening — with closer attention after roughly five years of use or with added risk factors.
EyeSee provides the remote interpretation; the prescribing physician sets the clinical schedule and any dosing decisions. We keep guidance general — your patient’s rheumatologist or primary physician owns the care plan.
- 24–48 hr
- Report turnaround
- 5+ yrs
- When risk climbs
- 100%
- Board-certified reads
- 0
- Referrals out the door
From upload to physician report
Cumulative use raises toxicity risk
Every image, a licensed ophthalmologist
The patient stays in your practice
A RetinaVue-compatible screening workflow
Screening a Plaquenil patient is the same four-step flow you’d use for diabetic eye disease — capture in-house, upload, an ophthalmologist reads it for signs of hydroxychloroquine toxicity, and a report comes back in 24–48 hours.
- 1
Capture
Patient photo
Your staff captures the retinal image during a routine visit using your existing fundus camera — RetinaVue, Optomed, Topcon, and most platforms supported.
- 2
Upload
Securely send
One click sends the image to EyeSee through your camera portal or our secure, HIPAA-aligned upload — no new software or workflow disruption.
- 3
Ophthalmologist Review
Expert interpretation
A board-certified ophthalmologist reviews the image, documents findings, and writes clinical impressions and recommendations.
- 4
Report Returned
24–48 hours
You receive a clear, structured report — ready for the chart and the conversation with your patient — typically within 24–48 hours.
The EyeSee read & report
Every image is interpreted by a board-certified ophthalmologist — never an algorithm alone. Here’s what the physician evaluates and what comes back to your chart.
Macular & fundus assessment
A board-certified ophthalmologist reviews the macula and surrounding retina for early signs consistent with hydroxychloroquine toxicity.
Clear clinical impression
Plain-language findings — normal, monitor, or refer — documented and ready to drop straight into the chart.
Actionable recommendations
Guidance on follow-up interval and whether the case warrants a discussion with the prescribing rheumatologist.
24–48 hour turnaround
Reports return before the patient’s next visit, so the conversation about their medication can happen without delay.
No signs of hydroxychloroquine toxicity. Continue annual monitoring.
Don’t forget to ask:
“Are you currently taking Plaquenil?”
It’s the simplest way to catch a patient who’s due for monitoring. If the answer is yes, a retinal image during today’s visit closes the gap — no separate appointment, no referral out the door.
Plaquenil monitoring — common questions
Why does Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) require retinal monitoring?
When should baseline and follow-up screening happen?
Can we do Plaquenil monitoring in our own clinic?
Does EyeSee prescribe or adjust the medication?
What camera do we need for Plaquenil screening?
Screen your Plaquenil patients without sending them out
Stand up hydroxychloroquine retinal monitoring with the camera you already own. Board-certified reads, reports in 24–48 hours, and the patient stays yours.