Early Chloroquine Retinopathy: Clinical and Functional Findings

Abstract

Introduction For the past few years several synthetic antimalarials, and in particular chloroquine, have been recognized as the cause of a number of ocular disorders.¹ Whitening of the lashes,² extraocular muscle palsies affecting particularly the sixth nerve,^3,4 decreased corneal sensitivity,⁵ corneal lesions,^1,6,7 and retinal changes^6,8-21 have all been related to the use of synthetic antimalarial compounds. It is of interest that ocular side effects are rarely noted in patients taking these medications in low dosages, or for short periods of time. On the other hand, ocular involvement is quite common in patients receiving these same drugs in high dosages for extended periods of time. The retinal changes induced by chloroquine are the most significant of the ocular findings. Vascular spasm, macular edema, mottling and pigmentary changes, as well as peripheral pigmentary degeneration similar to retinitis pigmentosa have all been noted.^6,21,22 Loss of visual