[Drugs with unwanted side-effects on the retinal vessels (author's transl)]

A review is given on systemically applied drugs, which may cause vascular disturbances of the retina with possible irreversible involvment of the ocular function. Based upon personal observations and reports in the literature a series of drugs with such side effects is reported. In particular, besides retrolental fibroplasia and complications which can be induced by oestrogens, drugs are described, which on the basis of an allergic reaction may produce retinal haemorrhages or occlusions of retinal blood vessels.