Bilateral angle closure glaucoma and visual loss precipitated by antidepressant and antianxiety agents in a patient with depression

A 71-year-old woman with depression had been treated with an antidepressant (maprotiline) and antianxiety agents (clotiazepam and alprazolam). She had previous ly complained of ocular pain and blurred vision. However, thoroug h ocular examination was not performed at those times, On examination, visu al acuity was no light perception OD and hand motion OS. Intraocular pressu res were 33 mm Hg OU. Moderately dilated pupils, atrophic irises, shallow a nterior chambers and closed angles were seen in both eyes, Despite treatmen t, her visual acuity decreased to no light perception bilaterally. Psychiat rists and ophthalmologists should be aware that antidepressants and antianx iety agents can precipitate angle closure glaucoma in susceptible eyes, Cop yright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.