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Optic neuritis with visual field defect--possible Ibuprofen-related toxicity
Maria-A Gamulescu1, Berthold Schalke, Gerhard Schuierer
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Regensburg, Germany. gamulescu@eye-regensburg.de
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 2, 2006
Summary
Ibuprofen use can cause optic neuritis, a rare condition affecting vision and visual fields. Promptly discontinuing the drug and seeking treatment can lead to significant vision recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are widely used for pain and inflammation.
- Ocular toxicity is a rare but serious adverse effect associated with certain medications.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male presented with blurred vision and eye pain after three weeks of regular ibuprofen use.
- Ophthalmologic examination revealed decreased visual acuity, quadrant visual field loss, and abnormal visual evoked potentials (VEP).
Findings:
- The patient experienced significant visual improvement and recovery of visual fields and VEP after discontinuing ibuprofen and receiving corticosteroid treatment.
- Causality assessment suggested a possible link between ibuprofen intake and the observed optic neuritis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for ibuprofen-induced optic neuritis, even with short-term use.
- Clinicians should consider drug toxicity in the differential diagnosis of optic neuritis and obtain detailed medication histories.