Acetazolamide-Induced Bilateral Uveal Effusions and Secondary Angle Closure: A Case Report
Introduction: Acetazolamide-induced uveal effusion and secondary angle closure is a rarely reported but clinically significant phenomenon. The reaction is idiosyncratic and independent of dosage or prior exposure. Case Presentation: A 52-year-old patient developed severe bilateral uveal effusions, acute angle closure, and myopic shift 24 hours after commencing acetazolamide for altitude sickness prophylaxis. The case demonstrates unusually severe posterior involvement after a single prophylactic dose, with dramatic recovery following initiation of intravenous methylprednisolone. Conclusion: Given the widespread use of acetazolamide in ophthalmology and other medical disciplines, clinicians must be aware of potentially sight-threatening drug reactions. Prescription of acetazolamide for altitude sickness prophylaxis represents a unique risk, as patients are likely to be travelling to remote destinations. First-time dosing should occur where urgent medical assessment is readily accessible.
Authors
- Kaela Braue (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4748-3620)
- Keith Martin
- Ortal Fogel Tempelhof
Publication Details
- Journal
- Case Reports in Ophthalmology
- Published
- 2026-03-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000551289
- Primary Topic
- High Altitude and Hypoxia
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00