Abstract

Bilateral angle-closure glaucoma secondary to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Author(s): Peter Cackett, JR Cameron, B Morris, E Scoppettuolo and J Singh

Background: Depression is a common illness with significant morbidity and mortality with antidepressants frequently being prescribed by general practitioners. Tricyclic antidepressants are well known to precipitate angle-closure glaucoma via their anticholinergic effects but more recently there have been reports of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also giving rise to episodes of angle-closure glaucoma. Case presentation: We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman who developed an attack of bilateral angle-closure glaucoma shortly after taking her first dose of paroxetine. Presentation was delayed because the patient was unaware of the potential for paroxetine to have ophthalmic side effects. Conclusions: Hopefully, with an increased awareness of this problem, patients will present earlier with a consequent decrease in ocular morbidity.