Case Report · Description de cas · Fallbericht

Bilateral Angle Closure Glaucoma and Visual Loss Precipitated by Antidepressant and Antianxiety Agents in a Patient with Depression
Chiharu Kadoi, Seiji Hayasaka, Eiki Tsukamoto, Masayuki Matsumoto, Yoriko Hayasaka, Yasunori Nagaki

Department of Ophthalmology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, Japan

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2000;214:360-361 (DOI: 10.1159/000027521)

  Key Words

• Angle closure glaucoma
• Antidepressant
• Antianxiety agent
• Depression

  Abstract

A 71-year-old woman with depression had been treated with an antidepressant (maprotiline) and antianxiety agents (clotiazepam and alprazolam). She had previously complained of ocular pain and blurred vision. However, thorough ocular examination was not performed at those times. On examination, visual acuity was no light perception OD and hand motion OS. Intraocular pressures were 33 mm Hg OU. Moderately dilated pupils, atrophic irises, shallow anterior chambers and closed angles were seen in both eyes. Despite treatment, her visual acuity decreased to no light perception bilaterally. Psychiatrists and ophthalmologists should be aware that antidepressants and antianxiety agents can precipitate angle closure glaucoma in susceptible eyes.

Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Chiharu Kadoi, MD
Department of Ophthalmology
Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani
Toyama, 930-0194 (Japan)
Tel. +81 764 34 7363, Fax +81 764 36 0146

  Article Information

Received: Received: February 2, 1999
Accepted after revision: January 6, 2000
Number of Print Pages : 2
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 5