What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Amantadine-Associated Corneal Edema
• Amantadine-Related Corneal Edema
• Corneal Edema due to Amantadine

What is Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema? (Definition/Background Information)

• Amantadine is a medication used to treat certain neurological symptoms such as tremors in Parkinson’s disease and fatigue in those with multiple sclerosis. Earlier, the drug was also used to treat a form of influenza
• Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema is a rare eye condition that develops secondary to the use of amantadine, as an adverse reaction of the body to the medication. Apart from corneal swelling, the drug can cause endothelial dysfunction and eye structure damage
• Stopping or discontinuing the use of amantadine may decrease progression of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema and/or may result in resolution of the condition. The prognosis is good in a majority of cases with prompt treatment

Who gets Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of all ages may be affected, although most cases of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema are noted in adults
• Both males and females are affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicity may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema? (Predisposing Factors)

• The key risk factor for Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema is the use of amantadine (to treat certain health issues) that results in the eye condition as a side effect
• Some studies show that individuals taking a combination of dopamine medications are at a much higher risk for developing corneal edema

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema? (Etiology)

• Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema develops from the use of amantadine medications that are administered for various health conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• The toxic nature of amantadine drug results in damage of the eye structures, especially the cornea causing fluid to buildup

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema?

The signs and symptoms of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema may vary from one individual to another. It may also be mild or severe and is related to the usage (dose) of the drug. The condition is known to get better after stoppage of the offending medication.

The signs and symptoms may include:

• Corneal swelling or edema (fluid buildup in the cornea)
• Endothelial dysfunction
• Vision impairment
• In most cases, both eyes are affected (bilateral condition)

In many cases, the appearance of first symptoms due to the drug may be observed within a few weeks of starting the medication. Rarely, the condition may arise even after several years.

How is Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema Diagnosed?

Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

• Complete physical examination with comprehensive evaluation of medical history (which includes the use of amantadine drug)
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms
• General eye exam
• Fundoscopic (ophthalmoscopic) examination by an eye specialist, who examines the back part of the eye (or the fundus)
• Visual acuity test using a special and standardized test chart (Snellen chart)
• Slit-lamp examination
• Visual evoked potential (VEP) test
• Fundus fluorescein angiography
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of eye

A differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions may be considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. These may include:

• Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy
• Herpetic simplex keratitis
• Interstitial keratitis
• Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome
• Posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPMD)
• Pseudophakic/aphakic bullous keratopathy

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema?

The complications of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema may include:

• Irreversible damage of cornea
• Loss of vision that may be permanent
• Decreased quality of life

How is Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema Treated?

• An early discontinuation of amantadine that is responsible for the side effect may result in a cure, or in improvement of the condition. This may be noted within a few weeks
• In case of severe injury to the cornea from the drug, a keratoplasty (corneal graft) may be necessary

Nevertheless, it is important to consult the concerned healthcare provider prior to discontinuing any medication.

How can Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema be Prevented?

Presently, it is difficult to prevent Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema.

• When possible, amantadine may be discontinued and/or alternative medication prescribed
• Avoid self-medication or bringing about any changes to one’s medication dosage without consulting the healthcare provider
• Inform your physician if you are allergic to any medication

What is the Prognosis of Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema is usually good upon immediate discontinuation of the medication and adequate treatment of the eye condition.

• In a vast majority of individuals, with prompt recognition of the condition, improvement is observed following discontinuation of amantadine
• However, the prognosis may also depend upon the dosage of medication involved, the period of exposure to the offending medication, and severity of the symptoms
• A prolonged usage of amantadine can result in permanent eye injury and vision impairment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Amantadine Induced Corneal Edema:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/