There are several medications that may cause toxicity of the retina.  It is uncommon for you to have a toxic reaction to these medications, however, the remote possibility does exist.

Cause

Here is a list of medications that are known to have occasional toxic impact on the retina:

Plaquenil, a medication used for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and to ward off malaria.

Tamoxifen, used to treat breast cancer.

Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Thioridazine, an antipsychotic medication.

Talc, associated with IV drug abuse.

Certain antibiotics injected inside the eye in toxic quantities.

Symptoms

In most of the cases of toxicity to the retina, decreasing or discontinuing the medication resolves the symptoms.  In a case of talc, the damage is irreversible.

Diagnosis

Regular retinal examinations will determine if you are having and retinal difficulties because of a medication you are taking.  A test called a visual field is frequently used to determine if there are any subtle changes to your vision that you may not have noticed.

Treatment

Treatment is primarily to decrease or discontinue medications that are causing a problem for you. 

Prevention

It is uncommon for these medications to cause serious permanent damage to your retina when you are closely monitored during their use.

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