Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 29, 2025
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
1.7K
TRAMADOL-ASSOCIATED BILATERAL CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA
Alexandra Miere1, Youssef Bustros1, Carlotta Pallone1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Creteil Intercity Hospital, University Paris Est Creteil, Creteil, France ; and.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|November 24, 2020
Summary
Long-term tramadol hydrochloride use may cause bilateral cystoid macular edema. Discontinuing tramadol hydrochloride led to complete resolution of this vision-impairing condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a significant cause of vision loss.
- Ocular side effects of long-term opioid use are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bilateral CME in a patient with prolonged tramadol hydrochloride use.
- To highlight the potential association between tramadol hydrochloride and CME.
Main Methods:
- Observational case report.
- Multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography angiography, was used for diagnosis.
- Tramadol hydrochloride cessation was implemented.
Main Results:
- A 73-year-old female on tramadol hydrochloride for 16 years presented with decreased visual acuity.
- Bilateral CME was diagnosed and confirmed via imaging.
- CME resolved completely, and visual acuity improved after tramadol cessation.
Conclusions:
- Long-standing tramadol hydrochloride treatment may be linked to CME.
- Cessation of tramadol hydrochloride can lead to the resolution of associated CME.
- This case underscores the importance of considering medication side effects in ophthalmological diagnoses.
