Corneal toxicity from topical ocular and systemic medications

Purpose: To review what is known about the adverse effects on the cornea from various classes of medications. New data from previously unreported cases of drug-related corneal toxicity are included. Methods: Data are garnered from a Medline literature review and from case reports collected by the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects. Results: Aminoglycosides, bisphosphonates, chemotherapeutic medications, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, fluoroquinolones, glaucoma eye drops, topical iodine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops, preservatives in eye drops, retinoids, topical anesthetics, topical steroids, and some herbal medications can cause corneal toxicity in some patients. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists need to be aware of potential corneal toxicities that can arise from commonly prescribed medications.