At The Retina Clinic London, we offer specialised screening services for individuals using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy. HCQ is known to strongly bind to melanin and accumulate in the retina, potentially causing damage over time. While the risk of toxicity is usually low in the first 5 years of therapy, it increases significantly with doses exceeding 5mg/kg per day, reaching 20% after 5 years on this dose.
How can Hydroxychloroquine affect my retina?
HCQ, a medication commonly prescribed for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, requires vigilant monitoring due to its potential retinal toxicity. Regular screening helps detect early signs of damage, ensuring timely intervention to protect your vision.
| Test | How is this test important? |
|---|---|
| Best-Corrected Visual Acuity | Measures how well you can see with glasses or contact lenses. Changes may signal retinal damage. |
| Colour Vision | Assesses your ability to see different colours, which can be affected by HCQ toxicity. |
| Amsler Grid | Helps spot any issues with your central vision, which can be affected by HCQ-related retinal damage. |
| Visual Fields | Tests your peripheral vision, identifying patterns of loss caused by HCQ toxicity. |
| Optos Ultra-Widefield Imaging | Takes detailed pictures of your retina, detecting early signs of damage like changes in pigmentation or thinning. |
| Heidelberg OCT | Creates detailed images of your retina layers, helping find structural changes due to HCQ. |
| Multifocal ERG | Measures retinal responses to light, useful for detecting functional changes not visible otherwise. |
| Microperimetry | Maps out areas of reduced sensitivity in your retina, pinpointing potential HCQ damage. |
| Adaptive Optics | Provides extremely detailed images of your retinal cells, revealing early damage not visible with other tests. |
What makes our screening services special?
Expertise
Led by Professor Paulo Eduardo Stanga, our medical team comprises highly specialized retinal specialists with extensive experience in managing retinal conditions, including drug-induced retinal toxicity.
Comprehensive Screening Technologies
Utilizing advanced imaging modalities, including some not readily available in most clinics, such as the latest Ultra-widefield Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Microperimetry, and Adaptive Optics Imaging, we ensure thorough evaluation and early detection of retinal changes.
Personalised Care
We tailor our screening protocols and treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring individualized care and support.
Efficient Appointments
We prioritize prompt appointments and efficient follow-up care, ensuring timely screenings and interventions.
What options are there available to book a screening
When booking in for screening appointments at The Retina Clinic London, there are always two options available with regards to care:
Full screening with Optometrist:
This appointment includes the full screening service with a report produced at the end and sent to you. This report will note all the findings from the screening and include a recommended plan for when to come in for further screenings.
Please note that this does not include a consultation with Prof. Stanga or a member of his medical team to undergo a full vitreoretinal examination alongside the discussion of results.
The cost of this appointment option is £650
Full Screening with consultation with Prof. Stanga/member of his medical team:
This appointment includes the full screening and then a full 45-minute consultation with Professor Stanga or a member of his medical team to discuss the results, any important outcomes, perform a further full vitreoretinal examination, and to formulate a plan of any treatment required alongside any follow-ups.
The cost of this appointment option is £950.