A recent article published in JAMA suggests that fluoroquinolone drug use may lead to retinal detachment, a condition that can leave permanent damage. Fluoroquinolones include the popularly prescribed antibiotics Avelox, Cipro, Levaquin, Noroxin and Factive.

In order to properly understand the possible consequences of this implication, it is important to understand what retina detachment is and how it can be caused.

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is when the retina (a layer of tissue in the eye) separates from surrounding blood vessels. These blood vessels are what keep the retina healthy and functional. The vitreous (the thick fluid that fills the eye) shrinks which can cause the retina to tear or tear away. Retinal detachment means the retina is not getting the oxygen it needs which can lead to blindness if left untreated.

It is important to note that there are early retinal detachment symptoms that exhibit themselves. If observed, it is important to see a medical professional immediately to lower the risk of blindness.

The three main retinal detachment symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, are floaters (when you begin to see floating spots, hairs, etc that follow your eye movement), light flashes, or difficulty or change in part of your vision (which worsen as time passes). If you experience these retinal detachment symptoms while taking a fluoroquinolone treatment, see your physician.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment can be caused by injury, diabetes, or certain eye disorders. The vitreous can change with age by coming more or less fluid in consistency. This could lead eventually cause retina detachment if left untreated. Recent medical research studies have alleged that antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones could also lead to this eye injury.

Retinal Detachment Treatment

There are retinal detachment treatment options. If the retina has a hole and is not fully detached, laser surgery may be performed by a surgeon. The laser can weld the retina to the surrounding tissue. Another retinal detachment treatment option is called cryopexy. This is when the surgeon takes a freezing probe and freezes the retinal tear or hole. This causes a scar which similarly attaches the retina to the surrounding tissue.

If complete retinal detachment has occurred, different surgeries may be offered depending on the case. These retinal detachment treatments are more complicated and may not always work. Not all patients recover their vision entirely.

Fluoroquinolones Linked to Retinal Detachment

The study published in JAMA found that there was an increase in retinal detachment cases in fluoroquinolone users. The researchers examined data between 2000 and 2007. It was discovered that 3.3% of the 4384 patients with retinal detachment were taking fluoroquinolones. This is a relatively dramatic increase considering the .6% rate found in the control group.

While not conclusive, it was recommended that clinicians “be aware of these findings,” said Dr. Bhavsar.

Retina detachment is one of many eye conditions that are alleged side effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Lawsuits have been filed against drug makers accusing them of failing to warn against alleged eye injuries associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics.