title: Disturbance of vision by COX-2 inhibitors.
abstract: In this review, 35 cases of acute, reversible, sometimes severe, disturbances of vision closely associated with the use of celecoxib or rofecoxib are described. These were identified from three different databases using strict selection criteria. The events included temporary blindness, visual field defect, scotoma, teichopsia, blurred vision, decreased vision and abnormal vision. The reactions had a mean onset time of 9.5 days and recovery occurred within 3 days following withdrawal of the drug. The reactions do not appear to be related to age, gender, dose, or indication for use. The incidence of reported cases is estimated to be not less than 5 per 10,000 patients. Possible mechanisms for this type of reaction are described. The most likely appears to be the result of interference with the retinal blood supply through reduced production of prostanoids. Genetic polymorphisms that affect drug metabolism or uptake could be risk factors and are discussed along with suggestions for research.
authors.affiliation: University of Otago, Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand. dmcoulter@xtra.co.nz
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Coulter
authors.forename: David W J
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001766:Blindness / Q000139:chemically induced; D000068579:Celecoxib; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016208:Databases, Factual; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000172:deficiency; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007783:Lactones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000187:drug effects; D012607:Scotoma / Q000139:chemically induced; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013450:Sulfones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib; D011464:Epoprostenol; D000068579:Celecoxib