Hydroxychloroquine & Eye Tests..

[RachelD1972]

Hi all, I’ve recently had a Discoid lupus diagnosis and have been prescribed hydroxychloroquine. I also have RA and have been on this previously for my RA. My rheumy told me to get my eyes tested prior to starting the hydroxychloroquine which is pretty standard. However, this then flagged up possible glucoma & I was then referred to an eye specialist. Thankfully the Glucoma has been ruled out but the eye consultant was not happy as he said my rheumy should have referred me as the equipment in opticians isn’t able to do the relevant tests prior to starting hydroxychloroquine. I am now to have my annual eye check at my local eye hospital. Has anyone else heard of this? I am not sure who is right or wrong but wanted to make people aware. I am in the UK x

[Barnclown]

Hello rachel: your question is very timely because a new official UK guidelines document re hydroxy & eyes monitoring has been published this year. There was a great discussion here about this subject recently, so, rather than saying more, i’ll just give you the link to a post about these new guidelines...this post contains a link to that post with the great discussion i’ve mentioned:

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

🍀🍀🍀🍀 Coco

[RachelD1972 in reply to Barnclown]

Lovely, thank you!

[Cas70]

I have had my eyes tested by both high street opticians and hospital since taking Hydroxychloroquine for past 2 years. They were both able to give me the all clear. High St opticians I saw were more clued up than my GP or practice nurse! Just remind your GP every 6 months or so you want a hospital test and that will reassure you.