Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
04:48
Establishing a Severe Corneal Inflammation Model in Rats Based on Corneal Epithelium Curettage Combined with Corneal Sutures
Published on: November 22, 2024
1.0K
Sparfloxacin-associated corneal epithelial toxicity
Aniruddha Kishandutt Agarwal1, Jagat Ram2, Ramandeep Singh2
1Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|September 21, 2014
Summary
Prolonged unsupervised use of sparfloxacin eye drops can cause corneal crystalline deposits and vision loss. Stopping the medication may reverse these effects and restore normal corneal structure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Corneal Diseases
Background:
- Sparfloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is widely used for bacterial corneal infections due to perceived safety of topical application.
- Common indications include blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers.
Observation:
- Unsupervised, prolonged topical use of fluoroquinolones can lead to crystalline deposits in the cornea's epithelial and anterior stromal layers.
- These deposits may cause visual symptoms such as blurred vision, glare, and photophobia.
Findings:
- A case study involving a 40-year-old man treated with topical 0.3% sparfloxacin demonstrated significant visual impairment due to diffuse epitheliopathy.
- Cessation of sparfloxacin treatment resulted in a gradual reversal of corneal manifestations and normalization of corneal morphology.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential risks of unsupervised, long-term topical fluoroquinolone use.
- Ophthalmologists should be aware of sparfloxacin-induced corneal toxicity and advise patients on appropriate usage duration.
