Introduction
The RPE layer of the retina has many vital jobs in the function of the eye that include transforming critical molecules necessary for the visual cycle and protecting the eye by secreting immunosuppressive responses. The damage caused to the RPE by Elmiron may lead to pigmentary maculopathy, a deterioration of the central portion of the retina.
History of the Case
In November 2018, an article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology from a study done at the Emory Eye Center, stated that patients taking Elmiron to treat IC reported difficulty reading, blurry vision, and an inability to adapt to darkness. Researchers believe that prolonged exposure to Elmiron can cause injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the eye.
Injuries Related to Product
Eye Damage, specifically to the Pigmentary Maculopathy, which is one of a number of disorders that affect the macula, the central portion of the retina.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Parafoveal pigmented deposits caused by abnormal capillaries and small blood vessels. This may result in vision loss.
- Vitelliform deposits, or round and yellow lesions formed underneath the macula.
- Retinal pigment epithelium atrophy
- Dark spots on the retina
Additional Literature
Pearce, WA., Chen, R., Jain, N. Pigmentary maculopathy associated with chronic exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium. Ophthalmology 2018;126:7:1793-1802.
Simó R., Villarroel, M., Corraliza, L., Hernández, C., Garcia-Ramírez, M. The Retinal Pigment Epithelium: something More than a Constituent of the Blood-Retinal Barrier-Implications for the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2009; 2010; 190724
