Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Evaluation Of Patients Taking Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is widely prescribed for the management of autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases. Long-term use of hydroxychloroquine has been associated with retinal toxicity, which may lead to irreversible visual impairment if not detected early. Conventional screening methods include fundus examination, automated visual field testing, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive imaging technique that enables quantitative and qualitative assessment of retinal and choroidal microvasculature. This study is designed to evaluate OCTA parameters in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine therapy.

Patients undergoing hydroxychloroquine treatment will be evaluated using OCTA imaging. Retinal vascular parameters will be analyzed and correlated with clinical variables such as duration of treatment and cumulative hydroxychloroquine dose. The findings of this study may contribute to improved understanding of early microvascular changes associated with hydroxychloroquine exposure and the potential role of OCTA in retinal toxicity screening.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (≥18 years old) with documented HCQ therapy for ≥1 year.
• Stable systemic disease under medical supervision.

Exclusion criteria

• -patients with media opacity.
• Any pre-existing retinal or optic nerve disease (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, AMD, myopic degeneration).
• History of intraocular surgery or trauma.
• Uncontrolled systemic vascular diseases (e.g., hypertension)