Presumed topiramate retinopathy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Topiramate is increasingly prescribed for conditions like epilepsy.
• Ocular side effects, including retinopathy and visual field defects, are rare but documented.
• This study investigates a potential link between topiramate and specific visual disturbances.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old woman experienced blurred vision after 9 months of topiramate treatment.
• She developed bilateral diffuse pigmentary retinopathy and constricted visual fields.
• Visual acuity improved after drug cessation, but other findings persisted.

Findings:

• The patient presented with peripheral pigmentary retinopathy and visual field constriction.
• A temporal association suggests topiramate as the causative agent.
• This case adds to the limited literature on topiramate-induced ocular toxicity.

Implications:

• Topiramate may pose a risk for developing pigmentary retinopathy and visual field loss.
• Clinicians should be vigilant for ocular symptoms in patients using topiramate.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism and prevalence of these side effects.