AAO Updates HCQ Retinopathy Guidance

Updated recommendations emphasize dosing limits and screening for toxicity risk.

1

Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy risk is low with recommended dosing and appropriate screening, per the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
2

Updated guidelines emphasize early detection and risk factors for HCQ retinopathy, particularly in long-term female users.
3

Recommended screening modalities include optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence, with additional confirmatory tests.
4

The risk of HCQ toxicity is under 1% at doses ≤5 mg/kg/day within 5 years, increasing with higher doses and longer use.
5

Annual screening is advised during therapy, but can be deferred for up to 5 years in patients without major risk factors.

1