Drug-induced acute-stage narrow-angle glaucoma: a review of the literature

Fernando Edward   O’Ryan Araneda; Marcelo Adrián   Estrin

doi:10.59471/ijhsc2025269

Authors

Fernando Edward O’Ryan Araneda Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Abierta Interamericana. Argentina Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9537-7952
Marcelo Adrián Estrin Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Abierta Interamericana. Argentina Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5748-3109

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59471/ijhsc2025269

Keywords:

Iridocorneal Angle, Glaucoma, Inducer Drugs, Iatrogenic, Hyperopia

Abstract

Introduction: Drug-induced narrow-angle glaucoma is a significant condition for ophthalmologists and general practitioners because of its ability to cause blindness.
Objective: describe which drugs or drug families may induce narrow-angle glaucoma.
Method: a search for information was carried out in PubMed, SciELO and Scopus, in the period 1986 - 2023 without language restrictions. Thirty-four articles were selected from a total of 60, including systematic reviews, case studies and meta-analyses.
Results: several drugs can induce narrow-angle glaucoma in susceptible individuals by different mechanisms, such as pupillary block, ciliary effusion and vitreous hemorrhage. There is no universal solution, but special vigilance in hyperopic patients and assessment of lateral anterior chamber depth are crucial. Acute symptoms may include headache, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, with semidilated pupils and sudden visual changes as indicative signs. Urgent medical intervention is essential to preserve sight in these cases.
Conclusion: drug analysis showed that drugs such as adrenergic agonists, antidepressants, anticoagulants, cholinergic agents and other pharmacological groups were identified as a cause of drug-induced narrow angle glaucoma

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