Peripheral visual field restriction in chloroquine retinopathy. Report of a case

Abstract

Chloroquine compounds are known to cause a retinopathy which typically begins in the central fundus giving rise to a "bull's eye" macula. Ultimately peripheral changes may become apparent. In the routine eye examination of such patients emphasis has been laid on the central area of the fundus. A case is presented where the retinopathy was not diagnosed until marked peripheral changes had occurred with peripheral pigment changes, attenuated retinal vessels, slight optic atrophy, peripheral visual field restriction and a subnormal electroretinogram. The typical "bull's eye" changes were not apparent. Routine examination of the peripheral fundus by means of ophthalmoscopy and perimetry is necessary to avoid missing any such retinopathy.