Recurrent corneal ulcerations associated with smokeable methamphetamine abuse

Am J Ophthalmol. 1996 May;121(5):571-2. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)75434-0.

Abstract

Purpose: We studied a case of chronic, recurrent, bilateral, corneal ulcerations associated with smokeable methamphetamine abuse, commonly known as "ice," in an otherwise healthy 31-year-old woman.

Methods: Every few months the patient had recurrent corneal ulcerations. Each time, she was hospitalized and treated successfully with topical antibiotics.

Results: Even though she had undergone numerous formal attempts at drug rehabilitation, she continued to have relapses, and ulceration recurred only during periods of smokeable methamphetamine abuse.

Conclusion: Illicit use of smokeable methamphetamine may result in corneal ulceration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cornea / drug effects
  • Cornea / microbiology
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Corneal Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methamphetamine*
  • Recurrence
  • Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / etiology*
  • Streptococcus / isolation & purification
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Methamphetamine