OCULAR CHLORAMPHENICOL AND APLASTIC-ANEMIA - IS THERE A LINK

The question of a link between the use of topical ocular chloramphenic ol and the incidence of aplastic anaemia continues to be a controversi al issue in ophthalmological spheres. At present topical ocular chlora mphenicol is widely used in the UK for the treatment of conjunctivitis , whereas it is very rarely prescribed for this indication in the US. Individual policies vary around the rest of the world. The evidence fo r: and against any association between topical ocular chloramphenicol and an increased risk of aplastic anaemia is reviewed, and the reasons behind the current prescribing policies are clarified. The discussion generated in the literature over the past 2 years over this issue is considered, along with the published debate from the past 3 decades. T he debate is not conclusive, but by presenting or referencing the spec ific case reports and the published opinions of various experts, we ho pe to enable the reader to make his or her own informed decision as to whether use of the topical preparation of chloramphenicol should be c onsidered by the ophthalmological community.