Objective: Describe bilateral acute onset myopia and angle-closure glaucoma as ocular adverse effects of topiramate.
Case report: A 23 year-old woman developed bilateral severe blurred vision seven days after initiating therapy with topiramate. Her visual acuity was counting fingers in both eyes. Intraocular pressures were 33 mmHg and 32 mmHg in the right and left eyes, respectively, with conjunctival chemosis, corneal edema, shallow anterior chambers, and closed angles. Her refraction was -7.50 diopters in both eyes. The symptoms and clinical findings resolved completely upon discontinuation of topiramate and, administration of antiglaucoma drugs.
Conclusion: Topiramate use can result in acute bilateral angle-closure glaucoma and myopia, which are usually reversible upon cessation of the drug. Visual outcome is usually good and the episode resolves within a few weeks. Thus, it is important for clinicians to recognize these conditions and educate patients about these serious adverse effects when prescribing topiramate.