Before starting hydroxychloroquine, what screening is recommended due to retinal toxicity risk?

Before starting hydroxychloroquine, what screening is recommended due to retinal toxicity risk?

• A. Eye exam
• B. Chest X-ray
• C. ECG
• D. Kidney function test

Answer: (A)

Retinal toxicity risk from hydroxychloroquine makes baseline eye screening essential. An eye exam with a dilated fundus examination establishes a starting reference for the retina and macula, and clinicians often add tests like automated visual field testing and OCT to detect early, subtle changes that may indicate toxicity. This allows you to monitor for damage over time and catch it before it progresses. The other tests—chest X-ray, ECG, and kidney function—do not assess retinal health and aren’t used to screen for this particular adverse effect.

Retinal toxicity risk from hydroxychloroquine makes baseline eye screening essential. An eye exam with a dilated fundus examination establishes a starting reference for the retina and macula, and clinicians often add tests like automated visual field testing and OCT to detect early, subtle changes that may indicate toxicity. This allows you to monitor for damage over time and catch it before it progresses. The other tests—chest X-ray, ECG, and kidney function—do not assess retinal health and aren’t used to screen for this particular adverse effect.