Using deep learning to detect and predict eye damage from hydroxychloroquine

Deep Learning in the Detection and Prediction of Hydroxychloroquine Maculopathy

Observational Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central · NCT06839443

This study is testing if deep learning can help find and predict eye damage in people who have been taking hydroxychloroquine for a long time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portugal)
Trial IDNCT06839443 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve the detection and prediction of hydroxychloroquine maculopathy, a retinal toxicity that can affect patients using this medication. By automating the analysis of diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging, the study seeks to enhance early detection of this condition, which is often challenging due to subjective interpretation by clinicians. The study will collect images from patients who have been on hydroxychloroquine for over 10 years to assess the effectiveness of deep learning algorithms in identifying potential retinal damage.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients who have been taking hydroxychloroquine for more than 10 years.

Not a fit: Patients with other ocular diseases that could mimic or interfere with the screening for hydroxychloroquine maculopathy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of hydroxychloroquine-related retinal toxicity, ultimately preserving patients' vision.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of deep learning in medical imaging is gaining traction, this specific application in hydroxychloroquine maculopathy detection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with \> 10 years of HCQ intake

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with ocular diseases that might mimic HCQ maculopathy or interfer with HCQ maculopathy screening

Where this trial is running

Portugal

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hidroxicloroquine IntakeHidroxicloroquine maculopathyHidroxicloroquine toxicity
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.