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Ocular side effects of amiodarone
M Mäntyjärvi1, K Tuppurainen, K Ikäheimo
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kuopio, Finland.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|March 11, 1998
Summary
Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, can cause ocular side effects like corneal deposits and visual disturbances. These effects are generally benign and do not necessitate stopping treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Amiodarone is a widely used antiarrhythmic medication.
- Ocular side effects are known complications of amiodarone therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ocular manifestations associated with amiodarone treatment.
- To assess the clinical significance and management of amiodarone-induced ocular findings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on amiodarone and ocular toxicity.
- Analysis of reported incidences of corneal, lens, retinal, and optic nerve abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Common findings include corneal opacities (70-100%) and halos around lights (1.4-40.0%).
- Lens opacities occur in 50-60% of patients; neither impairs vision.
- Rarely, amiodarone is associated with retinopathy and optic neuropathy (1.3-1.76%).
Conclusions:
- Amiodarone-induced ocular deposits are common but typically do not affect visual acuity.
- Discontinuation of amiodarone may be considered for optic neuropathy if not life-threatening.