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Ocular side effects possibly associated with isotretinoin usage.
F T Fraunfelder1, F W Fraunfelder, R Edwards
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3375 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland, OR 97201, USA. frauenfel@ohsu.edu
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 1, 2001
Summary
Isotretinoin use is linked to numerous ocular side effects, including dry eye, vision changes, and corneal issues. Certain side effects like blepharoconjunctivitis and photophobia require careful monitoring in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Isotretinoin is a widely prescribed medication for severe acne.
- Ocular side effects are a known concern with isotretinoin therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively evaluate and classify ocular side effects reported with isotretinoin usage.
- To assess the causality of various ocular abnormalities associated with isotretinoin.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1,741 case reports from spontaneous reporting systems and pharmaceutical data.
- Utilized the World Health Organization Causality Assessment Guide for evaluating adverse reactions.
- Reviewed global literature to identify and categorize ocular side effects.
Main Results:
- Thirty-eight distinct ocular signs and symptoms were identified and classified based on causality.
- Certain ocular side effects include corneal opacities, decreased vision, photophobia, and dry eye (ocular sicca).
- Probable/likely associations include reversible decreased color vision and permanent loss of dark adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Several ocular adverse effects are definitively linked to isotretinoin, necessitating clinical awareness.
- Ocular examination guidelines are proposed for patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment.
- Monitoring for ocular complications is crucial for patient safety during isotretinoin therapy.