Analysis of Drug Toxic Keratopathy Induced by Eyedrop

OBJECTIVE To analyze the pathogenesis, clinical feature and treatment of drug toxic keratopathy due to eyedrops. METHODS Twenty-nine cases(35 eyes) with drug toxic keratopathy were studied retrospectively. The kinds of eyedrops and preservative, the frequency and period of eyedrops used were statistically analyzed. The clinical feature, pathogenesis, treatment and effect of drug toxic keratopathy were summarized. RESULTS Drug toxic keratopathy had specific morphological charact- eristics. All patients presented with a frequent and long term using of multiple eyedrops history. The average eyedrops used was 5±0.3, daily using was (16±2) times and the days of using was (27±7.2)d. The preservative types of eye drops were statistically analyzed: benzalkonium chloride(33.33%), ethylparaben(25.0%), benzalkonium bromide(16.67%), sorbic acid(16.67%) and thiomersal(8.33%). The treating time was 7-21 d, average (14±4)d. After treatment, the clinical symptoms recovered in 30 eyes (85.71%), improved in 5 eyes(14.29%). CONCLUSION Drug toxic keratopathy has a certain clinical characteristics, due to irrational eyedrops using. Timely discontinuing of the formerly used eyedrops and using low toxicity eyedrops, having a full realization of the toxic effects of eyedrops to cornea, accurate diagnosis and rational use of drug are the keys to avoid drug toxic keratopathy.