Long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy is associated with retinopathy affecting which organ system?

• A. Retina
• B. Liver
• C. Kidneys
• D. Lungs

Answer: (A)

Long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy can cause retinopathy that affects the retina, especially the macula. The drug accumulates in the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, leading to cellular dysfunction and progressive, often irreversible central vision loss. Early changes may not be obvious, so screening with visual fields, OCT, and fundus autofluorescence is important to detect problems before symptoms appear. A classic late finding is bull’s-eye maculopathy, reflecting damage around the fovea. Because vision loss can be permanent, baseline eye evaluation and regular follow-up are essential, with more vigilant monitoring for people on higher daily or cumulative doses or those with additional risk factors. The retina is the organ system affected; the other listed systems are not the typical sites of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy.