Abstract | BACKGROUND: CASE REPORT: Soon after initiation of amiodarone HCl (200 mg/day), a 76-year-old man came to us with symptoms of visual "shining," glare, color vision anomalies, and gradually decreased vision. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/50 O.D. and 20/60 O.S. Ishihara color plates showed a marked, acquired color vision defect O.D., O.S. Biomicroscopy revealed amiodarone corneal deposits. The optic nerve appeared healthy, with no visible swelling in each eye. Amiodarone was discontinued after discussion with the cardiologist. On followup, the patient reported disappearance of symptoms. Visual acuity had improved to 20/30(+2) O.D. and 20/30 O.S. Ishihara color plates showed normal color vision. CONCLUSIONS: As the elderly population and the incidence of heart disease increase in the United States, more people will probably be using heart drug therapy. Our case presents some of the challenges involved with managing ocular toxicity of these cardiac drugs. While both amiodarone and digoxin can cause permanent visual changes, the ocular effects are often reversible. Therefore, ocular examination at baseline and every 6 months is indicated for patients receiving a regimen of amiodarone and/or digoxin therapy.
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Authors | David D Castells, Bruce A Teitelbaum, David J Tresley |
Journal | Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
(Optometry)
Vol. 73
Issue 2
Pg. 113-21
(Feb 2002)
ISSN: 1529-1839 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12365708
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
- Amiodarone
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Topics |
- Aged
- Amiodarone
(adverse effects)
- Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
(adverse effects)
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Polypharmacy
- Vision Disorders
(chemically induced, physiopathology)
- Visual Acuity
(drug effects)
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