Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
06:49
The Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rNAION)
Published on: November 20, 2016
Reversible optic neuropathy due to metronidazole
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|September 1, 2007
Summary
Metronidazole can cause optic neuropathy, a rare condition affecting vision. Stopping the drug led to significant visual recovery in a patient experiencing progressive vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug-induced optic neuropathies are uncommon but serious adverse effects.
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication.
- Optic neuropathy can lead to irreversible vision loss if not managed promptly.
Observation:
- A patient presented with gradual, bilateral vision loss.
- The patient had been taking Metronidazole for eight months.
- Ophthalmic examination and electrophysiology revealed optic nerve dysfunction.
Findings:
- Metronidazole was identified as the likely cause of the optic neuropathy.
- Electrophysiological testing confirmed bilateral optic nerve damage.
- Discontinuation of Metronidazole resulted in marked improvement in visual function.
Implications:
- This case highlights Metronidazole as a potential cause of drug-induced optic neuropathy.
- Early recognition and drug cessation are crucial for visual recovery.
- Clinicians should consider Metronidazole in the differential diagnosis of optic neuropathy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...