skip to main content

Hydroxychloroquine eye screening — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRheumatological pharmacologyHydroxychloroquine eye screeningSCE Rheumatology

A woman has taken hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus for six years and has mildly reduced kidney function. She has no visual symptoms. What monitoring is indicated?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Use OCT and fundus autofluorescence within retinal monitoring

The best answer is “Use OCT and fundus autofluorescence within retinal monitoring”. UK guidance recommends retinal monitoring after five years of hydroxychloroquine use, with earlier monitoring for additional risk such as renal impairment; modern screening uses structural retinal imaging and complementary functional testing when indicated. Symptoms can occur late, drug levels do not replace imaging, and routine chest or acuity testing alone does not detect early retinopathy.

Reference: Royal College of Ophthalmologists hydroxychloroquine retinopathy guideline: https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/resources-listing/2609/