Elmiron is utilized to treat a condition known as interstitial cystitis, better known as “painful bladder syndrome.” It is also prescribed for osteoarthritis in humans as well as elderly dogs and horses. At one time, Elmiron was used as an anticoagulant, similar to warfarin, but with a weaker effect. In 2018, an article was published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in which the authors wrote about six patients treated at Emory Eye Center between 2015 and 2017 who experienced pigmentary maculopathy of unclear cause following chronic exposure to Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) for interstitial cystitis. In 2019, one of the authors issued an update writing that ten patients at Emory Eye Center had been diagnosed with this same issue.
Maculopathy is a general term referring to any pathological condition that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina upon which visual acuity and sensitivity depends. Types of maculopathy include:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
- Cellophane Maculopathy.
- Malattia Leventinese.
Elmiron Eye Damage Complications
The form of macular degeneration that has been linked with Elmiron is identified as “pigmentary maculopathy of unknown etiology”. It is a macular injury with no known cause. Presentation of the condition differs slightly from one patient to another, but symptoms include any or all of the following:
- parafoveal pigmented deposits.
- vitelliform deposits.
- retinal pigment epithelium atrophy.
Other Elmiron side effects may include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty reading
- Distorted vision
- Eye pain
- Issues adjusting to darkness
- Vision disturbances
- Vision loss
Contact the Law Offices of Chhabra & Gibbs Today
If you or a loved one have suffered vision impairments due to Elmiron, contact us for a free consultation. Contact Chhabra Gibbs & Herrington PLLC today to discuss your case.
Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A.
Aggressive Workers' Comp & Personal Injury Attorneys