Tzu-Heng Weng1, Shih-Min Lin, Sui-I Pao, Shang-Yi Chiang. 1. *MD †MD, PhD Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan (T-HW, S-ML, S-IP, S-YC); and Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (S-ML).
Abstract
PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient with a notable side effect to Relenza, an anti-influenza virus medication, who also developed acute transient myopia. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old woman was diagnosed as having seasonal influenza and treated with Relenza. However, an allergic reaction and blurred vision caused by a transient myopic change were noted after she received Relenza treatment. Relenza-induced acute transient myopia had never been reported. The possible mechanisms include (1) ciliary spasm, (2) lens edema, (3) ciliary body and/or choroidal effusion. Fortunately, the drug-induced myopic change mostly resolved spontaneously after discontinuation of the drug and had a benign course. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suspected of having drug-induced myopia should be examined by an internist for a systemic allergic reaction and referred to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for further special examinations such as A-scan, B-scan, and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Optometrists and ophthalmologists should keep in mind and be aware of the possible ocular side effect (myopic change) of Relenza and warn patients of this potential condition.
PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient with a notable side effect to Relenza, an anti-influenza virus medication, who also developed acute transient myopia. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old woman was diagnosed as having seasonal influenza and treated with Relenza. However, an allergic reaction and blurred vision caused by a transient myopic change were noted after she received Relenza treatment. Relenza-induced acute transient myopia had never been reported. The possible mechanisms include (1) ciliary spasm, (2) lens edema, (3) ciliary body and/or choroidal effusion. Fortunately, the drug-induced myopic change mostly resolved spontaneously after discontinuation of the drug and had a benign course. CONCLUSIONS:Patients suspected of having drug-induced myopia should be examined by an internist for a systemic allergic reaction and referred to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for further special examinations such as A-scan, B-scan, and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Optometrists and ophthalmologists should keep in mind and be aware of the possible ocular side effect (myopic change) of Relenza and warn patients of this potential condition.