Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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hurleymn 03/28/2011

and he said I need some additional tests because of changes with my retina in my right eye. I went because my eyes get really tired when working on the computer so thought my prescription had changed since August 10 - which it has done each year since I turned 40 in 2004. I've been on Plaquenil since December, but the doctor didn't think it was related to my meds - but this is definitely a new development since my last eye exam in August.

I'm a little scared of the unknown - but I guess I'll have to just take it one day at a time until the tests are complete, and we know what is going on.

sandi7213 03/28/2011

I hope it's nothing to worry about, I know It's scary when it comes to your eyes.
since RA, I have been having a blood vessel that keeps popping in my rt eye, so Im off to the doc thur. my other eye doc said since this keeps happening repeatedly to go see a specialist.

sending healing an prayers your way

deleted_user 03/29/2011

Being on the Plaquenil you have to have check up's. It can cause pressure to rise in the eyes. I went because i felt lot's of pressure and my eyes felt tired. I was told to use wetting drops at least 4 - 5 times a day and to make sure that I have exames at least every 6 months. i have noticed changes in the vision, this due to the meds. I would see a specialist, it does make a difference. I went to my regular doctor and due to me being on MTX alone, they would not see me. try not to stress and good luck.. :O))

deleted_user 03/29/2011

Plaquenil can cause changes to the retina - it is very rare however. When I was on it, my eye doc thought my eye "looked funny", long story short - sent me for a bunch of eye tests and saw retina specialist - I have what they are calling a "funny looking optic nerve" which throws everyone off in thinking there is something wrong with my retina/eye - it's just me!!! However he keeps an eye on it all the time. I've been off Plaquenil since last summer - and I still got that funny looking nerve!! Oh well!!

If you are on steroids however, that can cause cataracts, so have them check for that - I've been on steroids for 4 years - I have early cataracts in both eyes.. :(

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