Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

The Newcastle University research output collection, currently available on ePrints, will shortly be moving to a new open repository platform, Figshare. To prepare for the data migration we have paused adding new content to ePrints, and will resume once the new repository is launched. During this time you will continue to have access to ePrints (but no new content will appear). We will share updates here when available.

The effect of long-term use of benzodiazepines on the eye and retina

Lookup NU author(s): Michael Clarke, Dr Keith Mitchell

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Thirty patients on long-term benzodiazepine medication were subjected to full ophthalmoscopic examination. Of these 19 (63.3%) complained of symptoms of irritation, blurred vision or difficulty in reading. None, however, had reduced visual acuities apart from two where the cause was longstanding amblyopia. Thirteen patients had some form of retinal finding, 9 macular and 4 non-macular. Of the 14 who presented for flash and pattern electroretinography (ERG), none showed any abnormality which could be ascribed to the medication, its total dose, or duration. We conclude, on the basis of the evidence from this small cohort, that long-term benzodiazepine medication has little effect upon retinal function as signalled by the ERG.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Clarke MP; Mitchell KW; Stafanous SN; Ashton H

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Documenta Ophthalmologica

Year: 1999

Volume: 99

Issue: 1

Pages: 55-68

ISSN (print): 0012-4486

ISSN (electronic): 1573-2622

Publisher: Springer

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1002418330466

DOI: 10.1023/A:1002418330466

Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric

Share