Bilateral Reversible Corneal Edema as a Novel Side-Effect of Levetiracetam - A Case Report

We present a case of levetiracetam-induced corneal edema. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of bilateral reversible corneal edema secondary to levetiracetam use.

A 59-year-old woman was referred to the ophthalmology department with a few weeks' history of bilateral blurring of vision. She is a known case of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and she was started on levetiracetam by her neurologist a few weeks prior to referral in view of new seizure activity. Examination revealed bilateral clinically evident corneal edema, which was documented on corneal topography.

Upon levetiracetam dose reduction, symptoms started to improve and eventually the medication was stopped altogether. The patient's vision and corneal edema normalized on follow-up.

This novel side effect should be kept in mind when a patient who is on levetiracetam presents with corneal edema as this can avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.