Plaquenil and eye tests

[Corella]

I had my baseline eye test done by the eye specialist at the hospital prior to starting Plaquenil.  He advised me to get it done every year afterwards.

But some people get it done twice a year and I am not sure what to do, it was my optician at Specsavers that alerted me to the problem of dry eye and told me she wanted me to see my GP for a referral.  She said she can dilate my pupils to check everything once I had started on the tablets and then to get it done once a year as well.

My question is, do I get it done once a year or twice a year and also, do I have to go to an eye hospital to have it done, or should I just get it done at Specsavers when I have my next eye test in April 2012?

I would feel safer getting it done twice a year but if it is protocol once a year then so be it.

Many thanks

[Scottietottie]

My opthamologist wants to see me every six months. I've been on Plaquenil. For about 6years now and my eyes are holding up well. He still wants the twice yearly visits.

Take care Scottie.

[Jorja]

I'm with Scottie on this one.  My opthamologist says I MUST see him every 6 months while I am on Plaquenil.  I've had the test and he said I could begin but so far the Rheumy hasn't gotten the report and called it in.  I wonder sometimes if these doctors have a clue how difficult it is for us - running -from one test to another - one specialist to another and then WAIT - WAIT - WAIT!

Please pray I can take Plaquenil.  I had a bad reaction to Evoxac and ended up in the ER.

Blessings,
Jorja

[kellyptyler]

Every six months here too. My Dr. said he has only seen one person that had to be taken off the plaqunil.

[Jellyb]

Every six months too, even taking my very low dose of the plaqu.

[SueAnn]

I believe the new guidelines say that you only have to have your eyes dilated once a year now instead of every 6 months for the plaquenil check.  That being said I still see my eye doctor every 6 months.

SueAnn

[gold55]

SueAnn you are correct....the new guidelines say you can start on Plaquenil and be seen yearly for visual field testing until you've been on Plaquenil for 5 years.  After that they want to see patients every 6 months for fields.  Evidently they are more concerned about patients who are on it for more than 5 years and the possible toxic buildup.  So if you are new on Plaquenil, I do believe you can get all your retina testing yearly up to 5 years.  If the ophthalmologist wants to see you sooner for your dry eyes then that is another issue.  Many docs like the 6 months follow-up if they are watching closely for one thing or another.   

[anita]

Every six months for me too. 

[susanep]

I also go every 6 months.

susanep

[Corella]

I will give the eye specialist a ring next week and see what he reckons, I am hoping my optician can do it but if I have to go to the hospital then so be it.

Thanks everyone.