Eye & Vision Problems/ Optic Neuritis/Occular Problems
Some patients taking Accutane have experienced vision problems. It is not known whether Accutane-related vision and eye problems are caused by increased pressure in the skull exerting pressure on the optic nerve, whether they are a response to decreased blood sugar levels and malfunctioning of the pancreas, or from a lack of fluids needed to keep the eye healthy because of Accutane's severe drying of the body as a side effect of drying up the sebaceous glands to control acne.
Reported eye and vision problems from Accutane include:
- Impaired night vision including sudden decrease in night vision
- Painful eye dryness
- Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye
- Swelling of the optic nerve
- Headache and nausea from visual disturbances
- Inability to wear contact lenses
- Corneal opacity (when the cornea, or outer layer of the eye, which should be as clear and as see-through as glass, begins to cloud over and become opaque or hard to see through.
The current Medication Guide for Accutane includes this information:
Vision Problems.
While taking Accutane you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark, so driving at night can be dangerous. This condition usually clears up after you stop taking Accutane, but it may be permanent. Other serious eye effects can occur. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you have any problems with your vision or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant.
See a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms; if the doctor finds swelling of the optic nerve at the back of your eye, you must stop taking Accutane at once and see a neurologist for further care.
The current Accutane Label includes these vision-related warnings:
- Vision Impairment: Visual problems should be carefully monitored. All Accutane patients experiencing visual difficulties should discontinue Accutane treatment and have an ophthalmological examination.
- Corneal Opacities: Corneal opacities have incurred in patients receiving Accutane for acne and more frequently when higher drug dosages were used in patients with disorders of keratinization. The corneal opacities that have been observed in clinical trial patients treated with Accutane have either completely resolved or were resolving at follow-up 6 to 7 weeks after discontinuation of the drug.
- Decreased Night Vision: Decreased night vision has been reported during Accutane therapy and in some instances the event has persisted after therapy was discontinued. Because the onset in some patients was sudden, patients should be advised of this potential problem and warned to be cautious when driving or operating any vehicle at night.
Note that discontinuing Accutane does not necessarily clear up these problems, many of which result in permanent impairment.
If you or a loved one has suffered from vision problems or other health complications from taking Accutane, please call or e-mail today and we will evaluate your Accutane claim for free.