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Amiodarone keratopathy and lens opacities
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Amiodarone hydrochloride, an antiarrhythmic medication, commonly causes corneal deposits and anterior lens opacities in patients. These eye conditions often resolve after discontinuing the drug.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Amiodarone hydrochloride is a widely used antiarrhythmic drug.
- Ocular side effects, including keratopathy and lens opacities, are known but often asymptomatic.
- Understanding the prevalence and resolution of these ocular findings is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of ocular side effects in patients treated with amiodarone hydrochloride.
- To observe the resolution of these eye findings after drug discontinuation.
Main Methods:
- Serial ophthalmological examinations were conducted on 21 patients receiving daily amiodarone hydrochloride (200-600 mg).
- Observation periods ranged from six months to three years.
- Corneal and lens findings were documented, and resolution was monitored post-discontinuation.
Main Results:
- All 21 patients developed corneal deposits (keratopathy).
- Anterior subcapsular lens opacities were observed in 12 out of 20 phakic patients.
- Keratopathy resolved in three patients during follow-up periods of 7 to 20 months after stopping amiodarone.
Conclusions:
- Amiodarone hydrochloride consistently induces keratopathy and frequently causes anterior lens opacities.
- These ocular side effects are generally asymptomatic.
- Ocular findings, particularly keratopathy, may resolve after amiodarone hydrochloride discontinuation.
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