Aripiprazole-induced transient myopia: A rare entity

Abstract

Aripiprazole is a new drug for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia. Ocular side effects of aripiprazole are very rare. Review of literature revealed few cases of aripiprazole-induced myopia. We report a rare case of aripiprazole-induced transient myopia. A 22-year-old female patient presented to the department of psychiatry with worsening of symptoms of schizophrenia and was started on aripiprazole. She presented with complaints of blurring of vision in both eyes for 1 week which started on the 3rd day following the use of aripiprazole. Anterior segment examination revealed a shallow anterior chamber and narrow angles. Intraocular pressure was normal. A diagnosis of aripiprazole-induced acute myopia was made and the treating psychiatrist was advised to stop the medication. At 2-week follow-up, the unaided visual acuity improved to 20/20 in both the eyes. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the myopic shift that may occur as an ocular side effect with aripiprazole.

Keywords

• Aripiprazole
• ciliochoroidal effusion
• myopia