To Assess the Relationship Between Hydroxychloroquine Dosage, Duration of Treatment, And Changes in Central Corneal Thickness

Abstract

Introduction: Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a vital indicator of ocular health, affecting intraocular pressure and visual function. Autoimmune diseases can lead to corneal thinning, a potential complication exacerbated by hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment. Methods:  This cross-sectional study assesses the correlation between HCQ dosage, treatment duration, and changes in CCT among autoimmune patients. Conducted over one year at a tertiary care center, the study involved 100 participants: 50 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on HCQ for at least five years (Group 1) and 50 matched controls without autoimmune diseases (Group 2). CCT measurements were obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean CCT for the right eye in Group 1 was 522.80 ± 30.50 µm and 520.80 ± 34.74 µm in Group 2, while for the left eye, it was 524.26 ± 32.64 µm and 523.62 ± 34.48 µm, respectively. The p-values for CCT differences were 0.761 and 0.924, indicating no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The study found no significant association between HCQ treatment and changes in CCT in the studied population. Despite the lack of statistically significant findings, the potential for long-term ocular effects from HCQ necessitates ongoing monitoring. Further research is essential to elucidate the long-term implications of HCQ on corneal health, thereby informing clinical practices for managing autoimmune disorders.