Mechanism of topiramate-induced acute-onset myopia and angle closure glaucoma

Abstract

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: In an institutional practice setting, two women, aged 25 and 45, developed acute myopia after starting topiramate for epilepsy. One patient also developed bilateral angle closure glaucoma.

Results: Topiramate was discontinued. Anterior chamber shallowing was noted in both patients at presentation. Ultrasonography showed ciliochoroidal effusion. Baseline measurements of anterior chamber depth and lens thickness were obtained.

Conclusions: Topiramate may be associated with ciliochoroidal effusion with forward displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm and anterior chamber shallowing, resulting in acute myopia and angle-closure glaucoma. Increased lens thickness contributes only minimally (9%-16%) to anterior chamber shallowing.