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Maculopathy due to drug inhalation.
V M Asensio-Sánchez1, L Gonzalez-Buendia1, M Marcos-Fernández1
1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, España.
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|November 26, 2013
Summary
Poppers, a drug containing alkyl nitrites, can cause vision loss. A case study highlights how long-term use led to maculopathy, including retinal holes and cysts, affecting visual acuity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Poppers, commonly known as alkyl nitrites, are recreational drugs.
- Ocular toxicity from recreational drug use is a growing concern.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male presented with visual disturbances including phosphenes, reduced visual acuity, and central scotoma.
- The patient reported a history of prolonged poppers use.
Findings:
- Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed disruption of the inner/outer segments (IS/OS) junction line in the right eye.
- SD-OCT imaging of the left eye showed an outer retinal hole and an outer retinal cyst, indicative of maculopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for alkyl nitrite abuse to cause significant, vision-threatening retinal damage.
- Ophthalmologists should consider poppers use in patients presenting with unexplained maculopathy and visual field defects.
- Further research is warranted to understand the precise mechanisms of poppers-induced retinal toxicity and to develop targeted treatments.
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