High risk medication screening

High-Risk Medication Eye Monitoring

Certain medications can have serious side effects on your vision and eye health, sometimes without noticeable symptoms early on. At our practice, we provide advanced screening and ongoing monitoring to detect changes early and help protect your sight.

Why Monitoring Matters

Many systemic medications can affect structures of the eye such as the retina, optic nerve, or cornea. Early detection allows us to:

• Prevent permanent vision loss

• Communicate findings with your prescribing physician

• Ensure safe continuation of your treatment

Common High-Risk Medications We Monitor

Plaquenil® (Hydroxychloroquine)

Used for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, this medication can cause retinal toxicity (maculopathy) over time.

Recommended Testing Includes:

• Visual field testing (10-2 or 24-2)

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

• Fundus photography

• Autofluorescence imaging (if indicated)

Monitoring Frequency:
Baseline exam within the first year of use, then annually (or sooner depending on risk factors such as dosage and duration).

Tamoxifen

Commonly used in breast cancer treatment, this medication may cause crystalline retinopathy or macular changes.

Recommended Testing:

• Macular OCT

• Dilated retinal exam

• Visual field testing (if indicated)

Ethambutol

This medication can lead to optic neuropathy, affecting color vision and central vision.

Recommended Testing:

• Color vision testing

• Visual field testing

• Optic nerve evaluation (OCT)

Amiodarone

This medication may cause corneal deposits and optic neuropathy.

Recommended Testing:

• Comprehensive eye exam

• Optic nerve assessment

• Visual field testing if symptoms arise

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

This medication can cause dry eye, night vision issues, and corneal changes.

Recommended Testing:

• Dry eye evaluation

• Corneal assessment

• Night vision symptom review

Topiramate

This medication has been associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma and sudden vision changes.

Recommended Testing:

• Urgent eye exam if symptoms occur

• Intraocular pressure measurement

• Anterior chamber evaluation

Our Advanced Diagnostic Technology

We use modern diagnostic tools to detect even subtle changes:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

• Automated Visual Field Testing

• Retinal Imaging

• Fundus Autofluorescence

Who Should Be Tested?

You should schedule a medical eye exam if:

• You are currently taking any of the medications listed above

• You have been prescribed long-term or high-dose therapy

• You notice changes in vision, color perception, or night vision

Coordinated Care You Can Trust

We work closely with your primary care physician, rheumatologist, oncologist, or other specialists to ensure your medications remain both effective and safe for your eyes.

Protect Your Vision

Early detection is key. If you are taking a high-risk medication, regular eye exams are essential to maintaining lifelong vision.

High-Risk Medication Eye Exams in Virginia Beach

We proudly provide specialized medication-related eye care for patients throughout Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area.