Bilateral acute myopia and angle closure glaucoma induced by Ma-huang (Ephedra): A case report.

BACKGROUND

Cases of bilateral acute angle closure have been reported after use of various drugs.

UNASSIGNED

A 52-year-old woman visited the emergency room and complained of acute bilateral ocular pain and decreased vision accompanied by headache, nausea, and vomiting. One day before, she had started a herbal medicine containing Ma-huang for weight loss. On examinations, myopic shift, edematous cornea, increased intraocular pressure, shallow anterior chamber, and thickened choroid on both eyes were observed.

UNASSIGNED

Angle closure glaucoma induced by drug (Ma-huang).

METHODS

To promptly quit the offending drug and apply ocular hypotensives and cycloplegics.

RESULTS

Her symptoms and signs were relieved after antiglaucoma medications and no significant recurrence has been occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians prescribing weight loss medications containing Ma-huang must be aware of the potentially sight-threatening adverse effect of bilateral acute angle closure.