Chloroquine Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Chloroquine dihydrochloride and related antimalarial compounds have achieved widespread use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and discoid lupus erythematosus. The occurrence of ocular toxicity in patients on such therapy is therefore of manifest importance. Corneal changes are common in patients on protracted chloroquine therapy, being noted in 43.7% of Kersley and Palin's¹series and in 33% of 165 patients by Hobbs et al.²The corneal lesions have fortunately been found to be reversible when the drug is discontinued. However, the retinal lesions associated with chloroquine, although more rarely encountered, have proved to be irreversible. The importance of the latter reaction to such a frequently employed drug prompts this report of 3 additional cases, with fundus photographs to document the ophthalmoscopic similarity of the lesions. <h3>Report of Cases</h3><h3>Case 1.</h3> —This 52-year-old white male was seen through the courtesy of Dr. Flemma. The patient enjoyed good health until