Progressive severe visual loss after long-term withdrawal from thioridazine treatment

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2006 Jul-Aug;16(4):651-3. doi: 10.1177/112067210601600430.

Abstract

Purpose: To report advanced thioridazine-induced retinopathy in a 50-year-old woman with evidence of progressive severe loss of vision over 30 years after withdrawal from thioridazine treatment.

Methods: The ocular fundus examination revealed areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) clumping as well as generalized atrophy of the RPE and choroid. The patient experienced visual loss to the level of no light perception in both eyes despite the fact that the funduscopic appearances of her optic nerves and retinal vasculature remained relatively normal.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates that severe progressive visual loss can occur several years after the cessation of chronic thioridazine treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Atrophy
  • Blindness / chemically induced*
  • Choroid / drug effects
  • Choroid / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / drug effects*
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Thioridazine / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Thioridazine