Optometry : journal of the American Optometric Association
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Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil; Sanofi-Aventis, Bridgewater, New Jersey) is an antimalarial agent, which is sometimes used for the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders. Its use has been associated with ocular side effects; the most concerning is toxic maculopathy. ⋯ Withdrawal of the medication is the only effective treatment for Plaquenil toxicity and, even then, the toxic effects may progress because of the slow clearance of the drug. Though controversy exists regarding screening recommendations, a baseline ophthalmic examination should be performed on all patients before initiating Plaquenil. If a patient is considered low risk, examinations can be scheduled annually. For high-risk patients, 6-month progress visits are strongly recommended.
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Patients with facial nerve palsy can have many ocular complications. Lagophthalmos, or poor eyelid closure, and loss of blink secondary to lack of nerve supply to the orbicularis oculi, can lead to exposure keratopathy, corneal breakdown, ulcers, and even perforation. Management of patients should be directed toward the severity of ocular findings and ranges from supportive care to surgical reanimation and soft tissue repositioning. Patients with facial nerve palsy who present at earlier stages can benefit from conservative treatment. Use of temporary external eyelid weights can help restore a functional blink mechanism and prevent corneal decompensation. ⋯ Temporary external eyelid weights are part of the armamentarium in the supportive care of patients with lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy secondary to facial nerve palsy. They are most useful in patients who have temporary paralysis or as a bridge until further surgery can be performed.