A hypothesis for the characteristic parafoveal toxicity observed in hydroxychloroquine retinopathy
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy is characterised by a classical pattern of concentric parafoveal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) loss, resulting in a corresponding ring-like visual field defect. Despite well-documented evidence of the distinctive spatial distribution and dose-dependent risk factors, the pathophysiological mechanism underlying the selective vulnerability of the parafoveal region remains undefined [ 1 ]. In the context of recent revisions in the screening and diagnostic criteria of HCQ retinopathy by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists [ 2 ], we propose a novel hypothesis for the characteristic toxicity pattern observed in HCQ retinopathy, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for future research directions and population-based studies.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
Retinal and Optic Conditions
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Eye
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 40
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 575–577
- Publication date
- 31 January 2026
- Language
- EN