Chloroquine related eye disease risk is high in all except –
**Core Concept**
Chloroquine-related eye disease, also known as chloroquine retinopathy or CQ toxicity, is a condition that affects the retina due to prolonged use of chloroquine, an antimalarial medication. This condition is characterized by damage to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, leading to vision loss.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Chloroquine retinopathy is a well-known side effect of long-term chloroquine therapy, particularly in patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of developing chloroquine retinopathy increases with the duration of treatment, cumulative dose, and age of the patient. The pathophysiology involves the deposition of chloroquine in the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to cellular damage and vision loss.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Patients with SLE are at high risk of developing chloroquine retinopathy due to long-term chloroquine therapy.
**Option B:** Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are also at high risk of developing chloroquine retinopathy due to long-term chloroquine therapy.
**Option C:** Patients with malaria are not typically at high risk of developing chloroquine retinopathy, as chloroquine is used for a short duration in the treatment of malaria.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential for clinicians to monitor patients on long-term chloroquine therapy for signs of retinopathy, such as visual field defects, color vision loss, and changes in visual acuity. Annual ophthalmologic examinations are recommended for patients at high risk.
**Correct Answer: C. Patients with malaria are not typically at high risk of developing chloroquine retinopathy, as chloroquine is used for a short duration in the treatment of malaria.**