TLDR Using 2% minoxidil for baldness treatment might cause vision distortion due to fluid build-up under the retina.
In 2012, a case study reported a 37-year-old man developing central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition causing distorted vision due to fluid build-up under the retina, after using a 2% minoxidil solution for 8 months to treat androgenetic alopecia. His symptoms resolved a month after stopping the treatment. This was the first case linking CSC to minoxidil use. The study proposed that minoxidil might cause CSC through choroidal vasodilation from increased sympathetic nerve activity, potential toxicity to retinal pigment epithelium cells, and increased vascular permeability due to vascular endothelial growth factor. However, these mechanisms were not definitively proven, and further research was suggested.
3 citations,
April 2010 in “Journal of Receptors and Signal Transduction” Minoxidil, a common alopecia medication, might cause eye changes due to its properties and lack of tissue selectivity.
29 citations,
July 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology” 5% minoxidil works better for hair growth than 1% minoxidil.
29 citations,
December 2003 in “Teratology” Minoxidil use during pregnancy may cause fetal harm.
83 citations,
December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil boosts hair growth by targeting adenosine and possibly sulfonylurea receptor 2B.
15 citations,
January 2000 in “Japanese Heart Journal” A man developed heart problems after using a baldness treatment for 4 months, suggesting that people with heart issues should avoid this treatment.
192 citations,
March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.
166 citations,
November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.
73 citations,
November 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth.
March 2024 in “Case Reports in Ophthalmology” A young woman developed a vision-threatening eye condition after using minoxidil for hair loss, which improved when she stopped the medication.
January 2023 in “TNOA journal of ophthalmic science and research” Minoxidil may cause vision problems.
4 citations,
June 2020 in “BMC Ophthalmology” Minoxidil can cause a rare eye condition, but it was successfully treated with oral Eplerenone in one case.
14 citations,
September 2019 in “Eye” Some oral medications may help treat central serous chorioretinopathy, especially eplerenone, but more research is needed.
1 citations,
October 2021 in “Journal of Medical Case Reports” Using minoxidil for hair loss might cause sudden vision loss, so use it with caution and monitor closely.
