Article · Volume 10, Issue 2 · pp. 75–6
Presumed Antihistamine-Induced Cataract in Two Young Males
Md. Shahid Alam1, Ashwin Cherusheril Somarajan1
- 1Department of Orbit, Oculoplasty, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Services, Aditya Birla Sankara Nethralaya, (A Unit of Medical Research Foundation, Chennai), Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Abstract
The use of systemic and topical steroids, amiodarone, and phenothiazines has been established as risk factors for the development of cataract. Antihistaminics are commonly prescribed drugs for a wide range of allergic disorders but have rarely been associated with cataract formation. We herewith report cases of two young males who were on long-term antihistaminics for allergic conditions and presented with blurring of vision. Slit lamp examination revealed bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract. The patients did not have any other systemic or ocular condition predisposing for cataract formation; hence, a diagnosis of antihistaminic-induced cataract was made.
Keywords: Antihistaminic; cataract; cetirizine; drug-induced cataract; fexofenadine; hydroxyzine
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