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Clonazepam associated retinopathy
Sta Gatzonis1, P Karadimas, Sty Gatzonis
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 2004
Summary
Long-term use of clonazepam, an antiepileptic drug, may cause toxic retinopathy. This condition involves subtle visual disturbances and retinal pigment epithelium changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Clonazepam is a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug.
- Long-term use of certain medications can lead to ocular toxicity.
- Retinal toxicity is a potential adverse effect of some drugs.
Observation:
- A case report details a 36-year-old woman with a history of long-term clonazepam use.
- The patient experienced subtle visual disturbances.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral retinal pigment epithelium depigmentation.
Findings:
- Funduscopy showed mild depigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium in the posterior pole.
- Fluorescein angiography demonstrated corresponding transmission hyperfluorescence.
- No inherited retinal disease or other causative agents for retinal toxicity were identified.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between long-term clonazepam intake and toxic retinopathy.
- Ophthalmologists should consider drug-induced retinopathy in patients on long-term clonazepam therapy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism and prevalence of clonazepam-associated retinopathy.