Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Fluoroquinolone Use

  • Reading time:19 mins read
  • Post author:Muhammad Yousuf Hayat, Ahmed Shah Nazari, Ahsan Rashid
  • Post category:Article

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are amongst some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for respiratory and urinary tract infections. Despite their utility in clinical medicine, concern has grown regarding the side effect profile on multiple organ systems. This report details the case of a 22-year-old Asian male who suffered musculoskeletal and ocular side effects of oral Ciprofloxacin therapy – namely flashes and floaters as well as dry eyes. No causes were identified on examination for this presentation and with time his symptoms gradually improved. Due to the known effects of fluoroquinolones on connective tissues, effects on the autonomic nervous system and chelation of various minerals, namely Magnesium and Zinc, postulated mechanisms as to why this young man and many others experience such symptoms are put forward in this case report.

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