Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) is a common medication used to treat systemic conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, and other autoimmune disorder. The drug has a low potential to cause damage to the retina, known as "Plaquenil retinopathy." The most commonly prescribed dosage of this medication is 400 mg per day, which carries a low risk of retinopathy. However, most patients are still followed by ophthalmologists to evaluate for the rare possibility of retinopathy.

The Macula or the central part of the retina is affected by this medication. Patients with Plaquenil retinopathy may complaint of "blind spots" in their central or para-central vision. Other possible symptoms include flashes of light, light sensitivity, night blindness and color distortion. To monitor patients on plaquenil, Ophthalmologist typically test a combination of visual acuity, color vision, dilated retinal exam and central visual field. The interval of evaluation depends mostly on the daily dose of the drug being administrated. Usually semi-annual or annual examination can detect signs of retinopathy. If Plaquenil retinopathy occurs, the drug is stopped, and vision tends to stabilize, though it may be permanently affected.