Anterior Segment Involvement in Antipsychotics - An Unusual Presentation

Abstract

Anti-psychotics used for treatment of psychiatric disorders can have various ocular side effects. We hereby report a case of advanced capsular and sub-capsular lenticular opacities in a 58 year old male that was secondary to long term chlorpromazine use. The deposits persisted after discontinuation of the drug. There were however no associated deposits on the cornea. This case highlights the rare occurrence of lenticular deposits without associated corneal involvement. Periodic eye examination of patients on long term antipsychotic drugs is necessary. A timely discontinuation of the offending drug may arrest further progression.

Ocular Side Effects of Systemic Drugs

“…a) Chlorpromazine-Chlorpromazine, at high dosages, can commonly cause abnormal pigmentation of the eyelids, inter-palpebral conjunctiva and cornea. It can also cause a more worrisome but rare visual impairment, namely corneal oedema (31) Fig 4: No corneal endothelial deposits seen associated with lenticular deposits (32). Pigment deposits can occur on areas of the bulbar conjunctiva that are exposed to UV radiations.…”