Antiepileptic drug-induced visual disturbances

Abstract

Epilepsy is a type of neurological disorder that leads to complications if left untreated. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) play an important role in the treatment of epilepsy. However, because of their narrow therapeutic properties and as they are nonspecific to epileptic neurons, these agents can affect other organs. Although reducing the visual side effects of AEDs is crucial, there is presently limited related research data. In particular, the mechanism of antiepileptic-drug-induced visual disturbances is still unclear. This review focused on the visual disturbances associated with therapeutic doses of AEDs, and it explored the possible mechanisms of each symptom. This information will be useful to healthcare professionals’ understanding of the visual complaints found in epilepsy patients