From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
You should inform your eye surgeon about your hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) use before implantable contact lens surgery, as it can cause retinal changes with long-term use, and your surgeon will want to evaluate your retinal health to ensure optimal outcomes 1. Taking hydroxychloroquine does not directly interfere with eye surgery, but it's crucial for your surgeon to know about your medication use because it can lead to retinal toxicity with prolonged use.
- The dose and duration of your hydroxychloroquine treatment are essential factors your surgeon will consider when planning your implantable contact lens surgery.
- Most patients can continue taking hydroxychloroquine before and after surgery, but your surgeon may recommend specific precautions based on your individual case.
- Regular eye exams are vital while on hydroxychloroquine to monitor for any retinal changes, and these should continue after your implantable contact lens surgery.
- A recent study found that higher cumulative hydroxychloroquine doses are significantly associated with thinner outer retinal layers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring retinal health while on this medication 1.
- Another study suggested that early detection and prompt cessation of hydroxychloroquine in cases of retinopathy may be necessary to arrest retinopathy progression and optimize long-term outcomes 2.
- It's also worth noting that hydroxychloroquine can accumulate in eye tissues over time, which is why disclosure to your surgical team is necessary for proper surgical planning and follow-up care.
- Your surgeon will evaluate your retinal health before proceeding with implantable contact lens surgery to ensure optimal outcomes, and they may consider the results of studies that have investigated the effects of hydroxychloroquine on retinal structures, such as the one published in 2022, which used optical coherence tomography angiography to analyze retinal changes in patients taking hydroxychloroquine 3.