my rheumatologist said plaquenil eye exams are yearly. my ophthalmologist warned about retinal damage and vision changes. fine, necessary. but nobody mentioned: the eye exam itself can trigger a flare if you’re photosensitive.
last screening, dilated eyes, brightness test, all of it. came out feeling like i’d had a migraine. by evening my hands felt swollen. full flare the next day.
what actually helps:
- ask to take breaks during the exam (most will)
- wear sunglasses in the office before/after
- schedule early before you’re already fatigued
- tell them you have photosensitive lupus. they’ll adjust. the irony is the exam is looking for retinal changes (necessary) but it can cause a flare that makes it impossible to tell if plaquenil is working or if you’re just recovering from the stress. anyone figured out how to do these without triggering?
does your rheum coordinate with your eye doc?