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Progressive severe visual loss after long-term withdrawal from thioridazine treatment
I A Chaudhry1, F A Shamsi, M L Weitzman
1Oculoplastic and Orbit Division, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, PO Box 7191, Riyadh 11462, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. orbitdr@hotmail.com
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 5, 2006
Summary
Long-term thioridazine (a medication) can cause progressive vision loss years after stopping treatment. This retinopathy may lead to severe sight impairment, even with normal-appearing optic nerves.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Thioridazine is an antipsychotic medication with known ocular side effects.
- Chronic use has been linked to retinal toxicity.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with progressive vision loss over 30 years post-thioridazine cessation.
- Fundus examination showed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) clumping and generalized RPE/choroidal atrophy.
Findings:
- Despite severe vision loss (no light perception), optic nerves and retinal vasculature appeared relatively normal.
- Advanced thioridazine retinopathy can manifest with delayed, progressive visual decline.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for long-term, irreversible vision loss from thioridazine.
- Ophthalmologists should consider medication history in patients with unexplained progressive vision loss.
- Monitoring for delayed ocular toxicity is crucial in patients with a history of thioridazine use.
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