title: An investigation of the visual disturbances experienced by patients on clomiphene citrate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the impact of clomiphene citrate on vision.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were referred to the University of Ottawa Eye Institute ophthalmology clinic from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Ottawa Hospital-General Campus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight adult females taking clomiphene citrate and experiencing visual disturbances.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients received a comprehensive visual evaluation twice: once during a washout period, and once during an active clomiphene citrate treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ophthalmologic examination, color vision, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields using standard automated perimetry, and foveal flicker sensitivity at high (32 Hz) and low (8 Hz) temporal frequencies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found no differences between the washout and clomiphene citrate conditions for color vision, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual fields. The only statistically significant difference was found for foveal flicker sensitivity at 32 Hz in the right eye, with a similar trend in the left eye and at 8 Hz in both eyes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The effect of clomiphene citrate on vision was minimal, and the visual disturbances were reversible in all patients. A bilateral reduction in flicker sensitivity was the only observed visual disturbance. Women who experience visual symptoms associated with clomiphene citrate should be monitored, but therapy can usually be maintained.
authors.affiliation: The University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. lracette@glaucoma.ucsd.edu
authors.forename: Lyne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Racette
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Casson
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Claman
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Zackon
authors.forename: Evanne J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Casson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003118:Color Perception / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005425:Flicker Fusion / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D002996:Clomiphene