[Irreversible cataract as a possible side effect of isoretinoin]

Isoretinoin, a drug used in the treatment of severe cystic acne, is known for its numerous adverse ocular side effects, among others. Generally these side effects are benign in nature and reversible on cessation of drug therapy, as for instance transient acute myopia. However, two cases of irreversible cataract possibly related to isotretinoin have been described up till now.

We examined a 37-year-old woman with acute unilateral cataract that occurred after a treatment with isotretinoin for four months, terminated a few days previously. A clear etiological relation could not be established.

The time relation, the acute onset and the absence of other factors nevertheless suggest an influence of isotretinoin therapy to the occurrence of the cataract.