Which drug is primarily associated with crystalline retinopathy and whorl keratopathy among ocular side effects?

Which drug is primarily associated with crystalline retinopathy and whorl keratopathy among ocular side effects?

• A. Tamoxifen
• B. Cyclosporine
• C. Acetylcysteine
• D. Acetaminophen

Answer: (A)

Crystalline retinopathy and whorl (vortex) keratopathy are patterns of drug-related deposition in eye tissues that can appear with certain long-term therapies. Tamoxifen, used in ER-positive breast cancer, is known to cause both: refractile crystalline-like deposits in the retina (crystalline retinopathy) and a whorl-shaped pattern in the corneal epithelium (whorl keratopathy). These changes are typically related to cumulative dose and duration of treatment and may be more noticeable with prolonged use. The corneal findings are often the earliest and can be reversible if the dose is reduced or the drug is stopped, while retinal changes can be more persistent. In contrast, the other listed drugs do not characteristically produce this combination of ocular deposits.

Crystalline retinopathy and whorl (vortex) keratopathy are patterns of drug-related deposition in eye tissues that can appear with certain long-term therapies. Tamoxifen, used in ER-positive breast cancer, is known to cause both: refractile crystalline-like deposits in the retina (crystalline retinopathy) and a whorl-shaped pattern in the corneal epithelium (whorl keratopathy). These changes are typically related to cumulative dose and duration of treatment and may be more noticeable with prolonged use. The corneal findings are often the earliest and can be reversible if the dose is reduced or the drug is stopped, while retinal changes can be more persistent. In contrast, the other listed drugs do not characteristically produce this combination of ocular deposits.