Visual dysfunction in patients receiving vigabatrin - Clinical and electrophysiologic findings

Background: Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug that, although relatively w ell tolerated, is associated with visual field constriction and other visua l disturbances of unclear origin. Methods: We performed a complete neurooph thalmologic examination and electrophysiologic studies on 39 patients recei ving vigabatrin and on II control patients. Results: Nearly 50% of patients receiving vigabatrin had constricted visual fields compared with control p atients. Some of the vigabatrin patients also had reduced visual acuity and abnormal color vision. In addition, most vigabatrin patients had abnormal electroretinographic results, the severity of which correlated strongly wit h the degree of visual field constriction. Conclusions: Vigabatrin can caus e electrophysiologic evidence of retinal dysfunction and clinically detecta ble disturbances of visual sensory function.