# Optical Coherence Tomography and Angiography in Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy: A Narrative Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how optical coherence tomography and angiography help detect early retinal damage caused by hydroxychloroquine, a drug used for autoimmune diseases.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews recent literature to highlight OCT and OCT-A as essential tools for identifying subclinical retinal toxicity in hydroxychloroquine users.

## Key findings

- Structural OCT parameters like ellipsoid zone and outer nuclear layer changes are early indicators of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy.
- OCT-A reveals microvascular changes such as reduced vessel density and enlarged foveal avascular zone in affected patients.
- Cumulative drug dose, treatment duration, and patient-specific factors are key in determining retinal toxicity risk.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatologic diseases due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, long-term HCQ therapy carries a risk of irreversible retinal toxicity caused by drug accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium. The early identification of preclinical retinal changes is essential to prevent permanent visual impairment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A) have emerged as key imaging modalities for the detection of structural and microvascular biomarkers of HCQ retinopathy. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database, focusing on studies published between January 2017 and February 2025. Search terms included “hydroxychloroquine” and “optical coherence tomography.” Eligible studies evaluated HCQ-related retinal toxicity using OCT and/or OCT-A in human subjects. Data were extracted regarding study population characteristics, treatment duration, cumulative HCQ dose, daily dose normalized to real body weight, and reported imaging findings. Results: We identified 223 scientific papers of which 88 studies met the inclusion criteria. Structural OCT parameters—particularly alterations in the ellipsoid zone, outer nuclear layer, and retinal pigment epithelium—were consistently associated with early HCQ toxicity, often preceding functional impairment. OCT-A studies demonstrated microvascular alterations, including reduced vessel density and foveal avascular zone enlargement, though interpretation may be confounded by underlying autoimmune-disease-related vasculopathy. Conclusions: HCQ retinopathy is a potentially vision-threatening condition associated with the cumulative dose, treatment duration, and patient-specific risk factors. OCT and OCT-A provide complementary structural and vascular biomarkers that aid in the detection of subclinical retinal toxicity. The integration of quantitative and automated OCT-derived metrics may improve screening strategies, facilitate early diagnosis, and support personalized care in patients receiving long-term HCQ therapy.