Purpose: To report the onset of bilateral angle closure glaucoma resulting from ciliochoroidal effusions noted after taking escitalopram.
Design: Case report.
Methods: A 41-year-old woman with a medical history of depression was placed on escitalopram and presented with acute bilateral angle closure glaucoma. A medical history and ophthalmic examination (including slit-lamp photography and high-frequency ultrasonography) were performed at the time of diagnosis and at resolution of her symptoms.
Results: High-frequency ultrasonography revealed bilateral choroidal effusions with ciliary body detachments and angle closure. Attempts to reduce intraocular pressure with topical ocular antihypertensive drugs and subsequent laser peripheral iridotomy were unsuccessful. Over the course of four days, the use of topical cycloplegics, corticosteroids, and discontinuation of escitalopram resulted in normalization of intraocular pressures, deepening of anterior chamber depths, and resolution of her uveal effusions.
Conclusions: The use of escitalopram resulted in uveal effusions, angle rotation, and acute bilateral angle closure glaucoma. Discontinuation of escitalopram and corticosteroid therapy resulted in normalization of the patient's eyes.