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Ciprofloxacin-induced toxic optic neuropathy.
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|February 16, 2007
Summary
Prolonged oral ciprofloxacin use can cause toxic optic neuropathy, leading to vision loss. Stopping the antibiotic resulted in significant visual recovery over several years.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic osteomyelitis requires long-term antibiotic treatment.
- Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, are commonly used for bone infections.
Observation:
- A patient developed bilateral toxic optic neuropathy during prolonged oral ciprofloxacin therapy.
- Symptoms included progressive visual loss, central scotomas, and impaired color vision over two months.
Findings:
- Cessation of ciprofloxacin led to immediate improvement in visual symptoms.
- Near-complete visual recovery was observed over several years following drug discontinuation.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of long-term ciprofloxacin use.
- Ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists should be aware of this association.
- Monitoring visual function may be warranted in patients on extended fluoroquinolone treatment.
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