Amiodarone, or Cordarone, is a prescription medication classified as a class III antiarrhythmic agent. It treats irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) caused by disorders of the chambers (ventricles) found on the heart. These disorders of the ventricles include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Amiodarone works on the body and may display several unique side effects, particularly in the eyes. Discuss any concerns about this medication with your physician.
Corneal Microdeposits
The cornea is the transparent part of the eye, which aids in focusing on objects. Amiodarone may accumulate in the eyes, particularly in individuals who take the medication for 6 months or more. This accumulation seen in the cornea is described as corneal microdeposits. According the "Drug Information Handbook," over 90 percent of individuals experience this adverse effect. Corneal microdeposits often prove benign and do not require immediate medical attention. However, it becomes important to get your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist regularly.
Visual Disturbances
The corneal microdeposits that occur in individuals on amiodarone may lead to visual disturbances in about 10 percent of users. Visual disturbances include diplopia, or double vision and blurry vision. Photosensitivity may also occur with symptoms characterized by itchiness, redness and headache when exposed to sunlight or well-lit rooms. Individuals who take amiodarone for 6 months or more prove likely to develop these effects.
Halo Vision
Halo vision occurs in about 5 percent of individuals on amiodarone. Users of amiodarone describe halo vision as a ring of light or ring of color around objects. This occurs in less than 5 percent of individuals and occurs most often at night, states the "Drug Information Handbook."
Optic Neuritis and Optic Neuropathy
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve. This inflammation may lead to partial or complete vision loss. Optic neuritis can occur in about 1 percent of individuals on amiodarone. The optic nerve may also lose complete function, known as optic neuropathy. This occurs rarely, in less than 1 percent, but requires immediate medical attention.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Lacy, Charles F., Armstrong, Lora L., et al; 2007
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Dipiro, Joseph T., Talbert,Robert L., et al; 2008
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