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.

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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
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article

Acetazolamide-Induced Bilateral Uveal Effusions and Secondary Angle Closure: A Case Report

Kaela Braue, Keith Martin, Ortal Fogel Tempelhof
Case Reports in Ophthalmology
High Altitude and Hypoxia
article

Acetazolamide-Induced Bilateral Uveal Effusions and Secondary Angle Closure: A Case Report

Kaela Braue, Keith Martin, Ortal Fogel Tempelhof
article en

Abstract

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.

Case Reports in Ophthalmology
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 36%
High Altitude and Hypoxia
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Acetazolamide-Induced Bilateral Uveal Effusions and Secondary Angle Closure: A Case Report — Kaela Braue, Keith Martin, et al. · Case Reports in Ophthalmology (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS