Ophthalmic complications associated with methamphetamine use disorder

Purpose: To describe the devastating ophthalmic sequelae of methamphetamine use disorder in two patients who developed vision loss from ocular complications, including keratitis and endophthalmitis. Observations: Case 1 is a 26-year-old male with hepatitis C, poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, and chronic methamphetamine use who presented with a corneal ulcer in the left eye. Corneal culture grew Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans, prompting antibiotic therapy. Follow-up exam showed peripheral corneal ulceration OD and diffusely vascularized and scarred cornea OS, although nonadherence was reported. Vision eventually worsened to hand motions OD and light perception OS. Case 2 is a 44-year-old woman with hepatitis C, acute myeloid leukemia, dry eye syndrome secondary to chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and chronic methamphetamine use who presented with a diffuse corneal infiltrate and hypopyon. She underwent emergent corneal transplantation, vitrectomy, and broad-spectrum intravitreal and intravenous antibiotics. Vitreous cultures were positive for Streptococcus pyogenes. However, progressive disease eventually required enucleation despite initial globe salvaging measures. Conclusions and importance: These two patient cases highlight the risk of vision loss or blindness due to the detrimental effects of chronic methamphetamine use on the eye, including the potential for keratitis and endophthalmitis. Given the increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use disorder in the United States, further understanding of these toxicities and preventive strategies are needed.