Sumatriptan has been associated with which ocular event?

Sumatriptan has been associated with which ocular event?

• A. NAION
• B. Retinal artery occlusion
• C. Retinal detachment
• D. Cataracts

Answer: (A)

Sumatriptan can cause vasoconstriction of ocular vessels via its 5-HT1B/1D receptor activity. This reduced blood flow can compromise perfusion to the optic nerve head, leading to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which presents as sudden, painless vision loss in one eye and is the ocular event most commonly associated with triptans in exposed patients. While other eye conditions like cataracts, retinal detachment, or retinal artery occlusion are possible with various etiologies, NAION has the strongest documented link to sumatriptan use, especially in individuals with vascular risk factors. If symptoms suggest NAION, discontinuing the medication and seeking urgent ophthalmologic evaluation is important.

Sumatriptan can cause vasoconstriction of ocular vessels via its 5-HT1B/1D receptor activity. This reduced blood flow can compromise perfusion to the optic nerve head, leading to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which presents as sudden, painless vision loss in one eye and is the ocular event most commonly associated with triptans in exposed patients. While other eye conditions like cataracts, retinal detachment, or retinal artery occlusion are possible with various etiologies, NAION has the strongest documented link to sumatriptan use, especially in individuals with vascular risk factors. If symptoms suggest NAION, discontinuing the medication and seeking urgent ophthalmologic evaluation is important.