An evaluation of peripapillar choroidal thickness in patients receiving systemic isotretinoin treatment

Purpose: Oral isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid, 13-cis RA) was approved for severe acne treatment by the FDA in 1982. The ocular side effects associated with oral isotretinoin use are mostly dose-dependent. Numerous ocular pathologies affect peripapillary choroidal layer primarily or indirectly. Objective: Evaluation of the peripapillary choroidal layer in the patients receiving oral isotretinoin therapy may aid in explaining the pathophysiology of ocular side effects. Methods: In this study, peripapillary choroidal thickness was assessed in the patients receiving oral isotretinoin treatment via optical coherent tomography technique. Results: Significant difference was found in the superotemporal and temporal areas. Conclusion: Oral isotretinoin treatment may affect the thickness of the peripapillary choroidal layer.