Purpose: To report a unique case of a woman who developed simultaneous bilateral maculopathy presumed to result from intake of sertraline hydrochloride, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Methods: Full clinical ocular examination, color vision testing, automated static perimetry, electroretinography, electrooculography and fundus fluorescein angiography were performed. Living members of her family were also examined.
Results: The patient had normal electroretinography and electrooculography results. Automated static perimetry showed generalized reduction of sensitivity and central scotomas. Macular lesions resolved 6 months after discontinuation of sertraline, however, during twenty months of follow-up her visual acuity and abnormalities in other psychophysical tests did not improve.
Conclusion: Patients started on sertraline should be informed of the potential risk of developing maculopathy, and they should be examined regularly to detect possible early alterations.