Decreased perifoveal sensitivity detected by microperimetry in patients using hydroxychloroquine and without visual field and fundoscopic anomalies

Purpose: to evaluate the usefulness of microperimetry in the early detection of the ocular anomalies associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine. methods: prospective comparative case series study comprising 14 healthy eyes of 7 patients (group a) and 14 eyes of 7 patients under treatment with hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of rheumatologic diseases and without fundoscopic or perimetric anomalies (group b). a comprehensive ophthalmological examination including microperimetry (mp) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was performed in both groups. results: no significant differences were found in mean mp foveal sensitivity between groups p=0.18. however,mean mp overall sensitivity was significantly higher in group a (29.05±0.57 db versus group b,26.05±2.75 db; p<0.001). significantly higher sensitivity values were obtained in group a in comparison to group b for the three eccentric loci evaluated p<0.001. conclusion: microperimetry seems to be a useful tool for the early detection of retinal damage in patients treated with hydroxychloroquine. © 2015 a. molina-martín et al.