Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
10:32

Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 2, 2021

Simethicone retinopathy in an immature infant

Annie Chan1, Tony Tsai, Joan O'Brien

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.

Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging : the Official Journal of the International Society for Imaging in the Eye
|November 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Simethicone, an over-the-counter colic medication, may cause retinal lesions in infants. These findings suggest an embolic phenomenon possibly linked to systemic drug absorption.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colic is a common issue in infants.
  • Simethicone is a widely used over-the-counter medication for infant colic.
  • Systemic absorption of medications in infants can lead to various complications.

Observation:

  • Retinal findings were observed in an immature infant.
  • The infant was consuming simethicone for colic treatment.
  • The observed retinal lesions were consistent with an embolic phenomenon.

Findings:

  • The retinal lesions suggest an embolic event.
  • Systemic absorption of simethicone is a potential cause.
  • This case highlights a possible adverse effect of simethicone in infants.

Implications:

  • This case may inform clinical practice regarding simethicone use in infants.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the link between simethicone and retinal emboli.
  • Awareness of potential ocular complications is crucial for pediatricians and ophthalmologists.

More Related Videos

A Reversible Silicon Oil-Induced Ocular Hypertension Model in Mice09:03

A Reversible Silicon Oil-Induced Ocular Hypertension Model in Mice

Published on: November 15, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic 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...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...