Text Size Normal Text Sizing Button Medium Text Sizing Button Large Text Sizing Button Text Contrast Normal Contrast Button Reverse Contrast ButtonSwitch to Spanish Language Contact Us Sitemap Sign In Register
Link to Homepage About AHAF
Donate Now Get Involved  
Alzheimer's Disease Research Macular Degeneration Research National Glaucoma Research


Stay Informed: Medical and Research Updates
Join Us on our Social Networking Sites
 

 
Search for Senior Housing
 
 
PreviousPauseNext
About Macular Degeneration
Get Involved
Macular Degeneration Questions and Answers
Macular Degeneration Research
Macular Degeneration Resources
About Macular Degeneration
Learn about what macular degeneration is, its symptoms & risk factors, treatment options and how to live with or care for someone with the disease.
Questions and Answers
I have been told that I have a bump on my macula, which could be caused by taking Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis or could be a sign of macular degeneration. I discontinued the medication about 3 weeks ago per my rheumatoid arthritis doctor. I have a sister who has the wet form of macular degeneration, but I have never heard anything about a ‘bump’ on the macula. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. [ 11/06/09 ]

Plaquenil use above a certain dosage can cause retinal toxicity. Risk factors for Plaquenil retinopathy include a daily dose of greater than 6.5mg/kg (ideal body weight), longer than 10 years of use, liver dysfunction, and kidney dysfunction. Early findings of Plaquenil toxicity include changes in the retinal pigment epithelium of the macula, which can appear similar to early macular degeneration. Both diseases can result in a decrease in visual acuity. It is recommended that patients using long-term Plaquenil be monitored with a dilated eye exam and visual field test every 6 months if they are at high risk, or annually if they are low risk. If any sign of Plaquenil toxicity is noted, the drug should be discontinued in order to prevent progression of the retinopathy.

Give a Gift
Make it possible for us to help others coping with macular degeneration.
More Ways to Help
Research
Learn about some of the promising areas of research in macular degeneration that we are currently funding.

Last Reviewed On: 10/22/09

Twitter YouTube Facebook >