Title:Update on Pharmacologic Retinal Vascular Toxicity
Volume: 21
Issue: 32
Author(s): Stephen G. Schwartz, Andrzej Grzybowski, Weronika Wasinska-Borowiec, Harry W. Flynn and William F. Mieler
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Retinal vascular toxicity, aminoglycosides, talc, oral contraceptives, interferon alpha.
Abstract: Several medications are associated with retinal vascular toxicity. These include intraocular aminoglycosides,
oral contraceptives, interferon alpha, several other agents, and talc, which occurs as a vehicle in some oral
medications that may be abused intravenously. As a group, these entities represent a small but clinically relevant
category of retinal toxicity from medications. Some of the manifestations (e.g., retinal vascular occlusion) are nonspecific,
but others are more specific, including clinically visible talc emboli in retinal vessels. Toxicity may be asymptomatic
or may cause irreversible visual loss. By maintaining a high index of suspicion, the correct diagnosis
can usually be made.
