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Topiramate and asymptomatic ocular angle narrowing: a prospective pilot study
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong. dexleung@alumni.cuhk.net
Eye (London, England)
|May 2, 2009
Summary
Short-term topiramate use did not cause asymptomatic angle narrowing in Chinese patients. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) showed no significant changes in eye structures related to angle closure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Topiramate is an anticonvulsant and migraine prophylactic.
- Angle closure glaucoma is a potential ocular side effect of some medications.
- Subclinical ciliochoroidal effusion can lead to angle narrowing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of topiramate to cause subclinical ciliochoroidal effusion.
- To determine if topiramate induces asymptomatic angle narrowing using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 20 Chinese patients aged 18-75 years undergoing topiramate treatment.
- Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) examinations were conducted before and 4 weeks after initiating topiramate.
- Key ocular parameters including anterior chamber depth and angle measurements were assessed.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes were observed in angle parameters on gonioscopy or UBM.
- Specific measurements like angle-opening distance, trabecular-iris angle, and scleral thickness remained unchanged.
- The study found no evidence of subclinical ciliochoroidal effusion or angle narrowing.
Conclusions:
- Short-term topiramate administration does not appear to induce asymptomatic angle narrowing.
- UBM did not detect significant ocular structural changes associated with angle closure in patients taking topiramate.
- Further research may be warranted for long-term effects.
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