Related Experiment Videos
Retinoids and the eye
1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington.
Dermatologic Clinics
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Systemic retinoids, used for skin disorders and cancer chemoprevention, can cause eye side effects. These include blepharoconjunctivitis, pseudotumor cerebri, and night blindness, which are typically dose-dependent and reversible.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic retinoids are increasingly prescribed for dermatological conditions, including keratinization disorders.
- Their potential in cancer chemoprevention suggests future widespread use.
- Both natural and synthetic retinoids can impact ocular structures and visual metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ocular side effects associated with systemic retinoid therapy.
- To evaluate the incidence and nature of these adverse effects, particularly with isotretinoin and fenretinide.
- To inform clinical management and future drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on systemic retinoid use and ocular side effects.
- Analysis of reported cases of blepharoconjunctivitis, pseudotumor cerebri, and night blindness.
- Comparison of side effect profiles across different synthetic retinoids.
Main Results:
- Common ocular side effects include blepharoconjunctivitis (prominent with isotretinoin), pseudotumor cerebri, and night blindness (reported with isotretinoin and fenretinide).
- Increased use of isotretinoin may contribute more to observed side effect incidence than individual retinoid metabolism.
- Ocular manifestations appear to be dose-dependent and reversible.
Conclusions:
- Systemic retinoids, while beneficial, necessitate careful monitoring for ocular side effects.
- Clinicians can manage these adverse events by adjusting dosage, as they are generally reversible.
- Further evaluation of ocular safety is crucial for developing new synthetic retinoids.