Presumed Sertraline-Associated Maculopathy: A Case Series.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Sertraline is a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
• Ocular side effects of SSRIs are uncommon but have been reported.
• Maculopathy, a disease of the macula, can lead to significant vision impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe maculopathy findings in three patients treated with sertraline.
• To investigate a potential association between sertraline use and maculopathy.

Main Methods:

• A case series of three patients presenting with reduced visual acuity after sertraline treatment.
• Comprehensive ocular examinations and imaging were performed.
• Patients were followed for 1-9 months.

Main Results:

• All three patients were female, aged 27-68 years, with bilateral maculopathy.
• Presenting visual acuity ranged from 20/30 to 20/100.
• Ocular imaging revealed outer retinal layer and retinal pigment epithelial disruption.

Conclusions:

• A possible association between sertraline use and maculopathy is reported in this cohort.
• The findings are potentially significant due to the widespread use of sertraline.
• Further studies are required to establish causality and prevalence.