An investigation of the visual disturbances experienced by patients on clomiphene citrate.
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.
Racette
Lyne
L
The University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. lracette@glaucoma.ucsd.edu
Casson
Peter R
PR
Claman
Paul
P
Zackon
David H
DH
Casson
Evanne J
EJ
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
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D002996:Clomiphene