"Slit Test" to check cornea?

[4info]

Hello and thanks for this service! My Internist has had me on 200mg Plaquenil 2 X a day for several years, due to Lupus, and has me go to an Ophthomologist annually for an examination because of the Plaquenil. At my physical this year she told me to be sure the Ophthomologist does a "Slit Test" to check my cornea. Can you please give me some info about this test? I am not sure if I have had it or not. Thanks for your time and expertise!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The slit lamp exam is done on each visit so that is no problem.  I'm not sure what the specific reason for the request is.  For patients on Plaquenil it is important to have a dilated retinal exam (specifically the macula), color vision testing, visual acuity testing, visual field testing with red test object if possible.  The plaquenil can rarely cause toxicity to macula and it depends largely on the dose and duration of treatment.  The precursor drugs to plaquenil were much worse and plaquenil is much safer but you should still have a retinal exam about every 6 months just to be safe.  It is also not a bad idea to have regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist because of your lupus.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[4info]

Thank you, Dr. Kutryb for your very helpful and informative reply! God bless you and your family!