A protocol for monitoring treatment with synthetic anti-malarial drugs

We have developed a protocol for monitoring visual function during the course of treatment with synthetic anti-malarial drugs, with the goal of combining efficiency in detection of subclinical anomalies with a simple and rapid test. Such a test is indispensable for accurate monitoring, which should ideally be available in any ophthalmology practice.We combined a colour vision test using Lanthony’s desaturated D-15 with a detailed study of the paramacular visual field by automated static perimetry. For the latter, we have developed a novel perimetric test, rapid in execution, which allows exploration of extra-foveal areas between 2° and 8° eccentricity. Following evaluation of the clinical efficiency of this pair of tests, a recommended timetable for monitoring the ophthalmological consequences of treatment with synthetic anti-malarial drugs is proposed.