I had a eye test at Boots this week and to the best of my knowledge they now recommend yearly eye test for patients taking
methotrexate,
leflunomide
sulfasalazine
hydroxychloroquine
I have hear about eye testing recommended when taking hydroxychloroquine but not of the other standard DMARDs, so I can only assume that Boots have found problems with people taking these drugs as well, but this does not appear to be highlighted by NICE / NHS etc
I had an appointment at the hospital for an eye test when first prescribed hydroxychloroquine. I was supposed to have a follow up appointment at six months, but it has been fourteen months now already. I rang them and they said they were very busy, and I would have a letter in the post when they caught up with the back log! I do suffer from dry tired eyes, which was why I was checking. But it is worrying to think old people with eye problems may be waiting that long.
I have one very 6 months just to be on the safe side. I take MTX, Hydroxy and Sulfa. x
I was on yearly check ups but had to go back the last time after 6 months due to cataracts my right eye is worse than my left and am now waiting to get my right eye done, I was on hydroxoclhoryquine before also Sulfazalasine, but am on methotrexate and Alimunumb now plus I wear glasses now
I had an eye test at Boots recently and was recommended to have another in 2 years time. I'm on methotrexate.
I don't know I'm afraid but seeing my brother in law this week so shall ask him if it's a new recommendation across the board for popular DMARDs or if it's peculiar to Boots. I always have an annual eye test anyway so it wouldn't apply directly to me but shall ask anyway. Can't find anything on the RCO site either.
I think it could be Boots just trying to rake in profit. My sister is an optometrist and she cannot claim back the cost of an eye test done more than the normal frequency, except for hydroxychloroquine. No problems have been found with this, but the ‘parent’ drug chloroquine has been found on occasion to alter how the eye sees a grid pattern. Hydroxychloroquine is a weaker molecule of quinine (not chlorine as some people think, which is in fact a gas).
Eye infections do cluster in people with RA, which is a reason to see your optometrist as soon as you have an eye feeling gritty, sensitive to light or sore, so RA sufferers on immunosuppressants probably do end up seeing opticians more often than most, but for a sight check up - no. It’s not necessary whatever Boots may tell you. You could of course see your doctor with an eye infection, since the end result will be a trip to eye casualty - I just go straight there now - but if your doctor’s surgery is anything like mine, seeing your optician will be faster, with more helpful receptionists!
When I started on hydroxychloroquine I was given a pad of grid patterned paper to check my vision myself (I still go yearly for eye tests too) that was a long time ago though.
Eye troubles
Hydroxychloroquine and eye test
Foot changes and taking DMARDs?
Eye experiences ?
An eye test over the phone
