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[Visual field defects due to antiepileptic drugs]
H Stefan1, J Bernatik, J Knorr
1Neurologische Klinik, Zentrum Epilepsie Erlangen (ZEE).
Der Nervenarzt
|July 21, 1999
Summary
Antiepileptic drugs like vigabatrine and carbamazepine can cause visual field defects. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these drug-induced vision problems.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Visual field defects are increasingly reported in association with antiepileptic drug (AED) use.
- Various factors, including retinopathy and other medications, can also cause visual field disturbances.
- Specific AEDs linked to visual field defects include vigabatrin, tiagabine, gabapentin, diazepam, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on visual field defects associated with antiepileptic drugs.
- To highlight the prevalence of visual field defects in epilepsy patients.
- To emphasize the need for preclinical research into the pathomechanisms of these defects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published reports on visual field defects and AEDs.
- Analysis of prevalence data from population-based and etiological studies in epilepsy.
- Identification of specific AEDs implicated in visual field disturbances.
Main Results:
- Visual field defects are a known complication of several AEDs.
- The incidence of visual field defects in epilepsy patients ranges from 13% to 46%.
- Multiple AEDs, including vigabatrin, tiagabine, gabapentin, diazepam, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, have been associated with these defects.
Conclusions:
- Antiepileptic drugs represent a significant cause of acquired visual field defects.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms of AED-induced visual field defects is crucial for patient care.
- Preclinical investigations are essential to elucidate the pathomechanisms and inform future therapeutic strategies.