Plaquenil eye problems

I have been on Plaquenil for 12 years. I do have vision problems (bluriness) but it’s not the plaquenil apparently. It’s the dryness of my eyes and allergies. I use Restasis twice a day and when the blurriness and dry eye soreness is a real big issue I use an allergy eye drop that doesn’t dry my eyes out more (Oloptadine, over the counter but used to be a prescription) and Systane gel. I love to read but when my eyes are bad I read with my ears (audiobooks). I also go to an opthalmologist (never an optometrist) and they do the checks for side effects from the plaquenil. As I understand it, the main concern with Plaquenil is that sometimes there are retina problems, but so far I have had none of those problems.

@mamadaniel69 Sounds like you are really focused on eye care. That’s so good. There’s nothing like losing your vision when you already have problems. And I really agree with seeing an ophthalmologist. They can really help with the overall health of your eyes. I love how you have just jumped in to help another member! Thank you!
May I ask how you found Mayo Clinic Connect?

I have issues with nearly everything in my body-organs, tissues, etc. I also don’t produce tears. Have only shed tears 3 times in 5 years, not even when my husband of 52 yr. died. I have the driest skin and hair and have been working on that most recently, and as I looked for solutions I discovered ‘the wonderful world’ of tea tree. The shampoo and conditioner (generic from Sally’s) have changed everything-for the first time in 12 yr. I can comb my hair with a comb w/o having to brush first!! Next was tea tree body wash (to help with skin)-got it but haven’t used it yet, and am checking into lotion also. And in my search for those items I found out about the group from a google search. In addition, I am left handed and broke my left hand on Mother’s Day, and before I was even out of the cast the arthritis hit with a vengeance in that hand, especially with my fingers that connected to where the break was. I just take one thing at a time. Anyway, that’s how I found the group. Also, my rheumatologist said Mayo Clinic is a wonderful source of information.

Have you tried a cool mist humidifer in your bedroom at night? Also, the Bruder Moist warm eye compress on Amazon helps. I use Systane Complete twice a day along with Restasis. I was having to use Systane Complete, the Systane Complete Gel and Systane Eye ointment at night my eyes were so dry and hurt. Cataract surgery I believe made my eyes drier. I had the punctum plugs inserted and that has helped my dry eyes tremendously. Ask your Eye Doctor about all of this before you try. My family member works for an eye doctor and I am back on Plaquenil and was told to get my eyes checked due to Plaquenil causing blurriness, vision and retina issues. I hope you see an opthamologist for your eyes. I hope this helps. Hugs & Prayers....

I’m glad you mentioned the cool-mist vaporizer! One of my issues is excess head and chest mucus and yes, I do use one-have for about 10 yr. It helps keep my sinus’ open so I can breathe when I’m in bed. And yes, I do see an ophthalmologist regularly. So far, so good on my eyes. I’m very thankful for that.
I appreciate your time and help.
I know some of it is affected by my age as well. I am 72. I was diagnosed in 2011 but they say I’ve probably had it for many years before that. As a matter of fact, I figured out what was the problem (before the doctor did) from research mostly on Mayo’s website. My doctor said he’d never have thought of it because he’d never had a patient with Sjogren’s but did the blood work and all, and sure enough!

Bless you. Hugs & Prayers....

Blurriness is usually due to dry eyes and dehydration, not the medication itself. I use Systane most of the time, but Pataday is good for allergic dry eye. At night, I use PM ointment/gel. Make sure you get plenty of water and electrolytes throughout the day. Plaquenil eye issues present as changes in color perception, and retinal issues. I've been on it over 30 years without issue. (I have MCTD/Sjogrens)