Recurrent corneal ulcerations associated with smokeable methamphetamine abuse.
OBJECTIVE
We studied a case of chronic, recurrent, bilateral, corneal ulcerations associated with smokeable methamphetamine abuse, commonly known as "ice," in an otherwise healthy 31-year-old woman.


METHODS
Every few months the patient had recurrent corneal ulcerations. Each time, she was hospitalized and treated successfully with topical antibiotics.


RESULTS
Even though she had undergone numerous formal attempts at drug rehabilitation, she continued to have relapses, and ulceration recurred only during periods of smokeable methamphetamine abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
Illicit use of smokeable methamphetamine may result in corneal ulceration.
Chuck
R S
RS
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, MO 63110, USA.
Williams
J M
JM
Goldberg
M A
MA
Lubniewski
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine; D012008:Recurrence; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008694:Methamphetamine