Blepharospasm induced by systemic isotretinoin

Abstract

Objective: Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid), a synthetic analog of vitamin A, is commonly used in the treatment of nodulocytic acne, which is resistant to other treatments. The most common side effects of systemic isotretinoin treatment are dry mucous membranes and dry skin. Blepharospasm is a movement disorder characterized by hyperactivity of orbicularis oculi and other muscles around the eye. Case Report: We report here a 33-year-old female patient developed blepharospasm during treatment with systemic isotretinoin. She consulted an ophthalmologist about her eye problem and was diagnosed as having 'dry eye'. Blepharospasm did not improve even though she received artificial tears treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography were performed to investigate the etiology of blepharospasm and no pathological findings were found. Conclusion: We present a case of blepharospasm due to isotretinoin. Based on PubMed database, this is the first clinical case of blepharospasm induced by isotretinoin.