Macular Abnormalities Associated With 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

May 2020 in “ JAMA Ophthalmology ”

Yong Kyun Shin, Geun Woo Lee, Se Woong Kang, Sang Jin Kim, A Young Kim

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 5-ARIs androgenic alopecia

Studysummary This study suggests that the use of 5α-reductase inhibitors in men may be associated with macular abnormalities, characterized by cystoid changes and foveal cavitation, potentially progressing to more severe defects.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

In a retrospective study conducted from 2016 to 2019, researchers found an association between the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), drugs used for treating benign prostate hypertrophy and androgenic alopecia, and macular abnormalities in men. The study included 31 male patients, and found that 71.4% of patients with macular abnormalities of unknown origin had used 5-ARIs. These patients showed foveal cavitation, a type of macular abnormality. The study suggested that the use of 5-ARIs could lead to foveal atrophy or cavitation, and recommended that patients receiving 5-ARI medications should undergo ophthalmic examinations for the development of foveal changes. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and retrospective design.

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