The ocular adverse effects of oral drugs

Abstract

Some commonly prescribed drugs have ocular adverse effects. Many parts of the eye can be affected by oral drugs. Some ocular adverse effects may be reversed with medical or surgical intervention whereas other drugs may cause irreversible loss of vision. The risk of visual loss can be reduced by a number of approaches, including monitoring for ocular toxicity, reducing the drug dose, or stopping the drug and looking for an alternative. This can be supported by good communication between the prescribing clinician and ophthalmologist. Infrequent or delayed ocular adverse effects may not be identified in clinical trials of new drugs. Reporting adverse events is therefore important.