{"id":18451,"date":"2026-09-17T11:33:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T11:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/?p=18451"},"modified":"2026-09-17T11:33:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T11:33:17","slug":"epilepsy-medication-eyesight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/epilepsy-medication-eyesight\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Epilepsy Medication Affect Your Eyesight?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You may notice blurred vision or double vision while taking epilepsy medication, particularly when starting treatment, increasing the dose or combining medicines. These effects may be temporary or dose-related, but some medicines can cause more serious eye problems.<\/p>\n<p>You should seek urgent help for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or rapidly worsening sight. You should not stop your epilepsy medication suddenly without medical advice, as this can trigger seizures.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can Epilepsy Medicines Affect Your Vision?<\/h2>\n<p>Epilepsy medicines can affect your vision in different ways, particularly when you first start treatment, increase the dose or combine medicines. Most visual effects are related to how the medicine affects your nervous system, but some medicines have specific eye-related risks.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Blurred or double vision:<\/strong> Medicines such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine can sometimes cause blurred or double vision, especially after a dose change.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Involuntary eye movements:<\/strong> Phenytoin and carbamazepine can cause nystagmus, where your eyes make uncontrolled movements. This may be more noticeable if medicine levels become too high.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Peripheral vision loss:<\/strong> Vigabatrin can cause progressive loss of side vision, which may become permanent. You may not notice early changes, making regular visual-field testing important.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sudden eye problems:<\/strong> Topiramate can rarely cause acute short-sightedness and secondary angle-closure glaucoma. Sudden blurred vision with eye pain, redness, headache or halos needs urgent assessment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many medication-related visual symptoms can improve when treatment is reviewed, but some problems, particularly vigabatrin-related visual-field loss, may be permanent. You should tell your epilepsy and eye specialists about any new visual changes rather than stopping your medication yourself.<\/p>\n<h2>Epilepsy Medicines and Possible Visual Effects<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Medicine<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Possible Visual Effect<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Symptoms to Watch For<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Important Point<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Vigabatrin<\/td>\n<td>Peripheral visual-field loss, which may be permanent<\/td>\n<td>Reduced side vision, bumping into objects or tunnel-like vision, although early changes may cause no noticeable symptoms<\/td>\n<td>Structured visual monitoring is required because visual-field loss may be present before you notice it<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Topiramate<\/td>\n<td>Acute myopia and secondary angle-closure glaucoma<\/td>\n<td>Sudden blurred or reduced distance vision, eye pain, redness, headache, halos, nausea or vomiting<\/td>\n<td>This is a rare eye emergency that typically develops within the first month after starting treatment and needs urgent assessment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Carbamazepine<\/td>\n<td>Diplopia, blurred vision, impaired focusing or nystagmus<\/td>\n<td>Double vision, difficulty focusing or involuntary eye movements<\/td>\n<td>These effects can be dose-related and may be more noticeable when starting treatment or after a dose adjustment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lamotrigine<\/td>\n<td>Blurred vision, diplopia and, more rarely, nystagmus<\/td>\n<td>Blurred or double vision or abnormal eye movements<\/td>\n<td>Tell your specialist if symptoms follow a dose change or the addition of another anti-seizure medicine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Phenytoin<\/td>\n<td>Nystagmus and other neurological visual symptoms<\/td>\n<td>Involuntary eye movements, blurred vision, dizziness, poor coordination or unsteadiness<\/td>\n<td>Nystagmus and coordination problems can be signs that phenytoin exposure is too high and may require clinical review<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sodium valproate<\/td>\n<td>Rarely, diplopia<\/td>\n<td>Double vision<\/td>\n<td>New persistent double vision should be reported rather than automatically attributed to the medicine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Other anti-seizure medicines<\/td>\n<td>Blurred or double vision can occur with several medicines<\/td>\n<td>Blurring, diplopia, focusing difficulty or abnormal eye movements<\/td>\n<td>The significance depends on the individual medicine, dose, other treatments and timing of the symptoms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Are Visual Side Effects Usually Permanent?<\/h2>\n<p>You may experience blurred or double vision from some epilepsy medicines without permanent eye damage. These symptoms may improve as your body adjusts or after your dose is changed.<\/p>\n<p>You should know that some problems, such as vigabatrin-related peripheral vision loss, can be permanent. You should tell your epilepsy specialist if your vision changes persist or worsen.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Is Vigabatrin Particularly Important for Eyesight?<\/h2>\n<p>You should know that vigabatrin can cause progressive loss of peripheral vision in both eyes, sometimes becoming severe. You may not notice the changes early, which is why regular visual field monitoring is important.<\/p>\n<p>You should discuss the benefits and risks of vigabatrin with your epilepsy specialist. Your treatment can then balance seizure control with protecting your eyesight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Evidence Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vigabatrin has one of the best-established eye-related risks among anti-seizure medicines. Published evidence suggests that visual-field loss may affect around 30\u201350% of people receiving the medicine. The changes may initially go unnoticed, are often bilateral and can be irreversible.<\/p>\n<p>A systematic review of 32 studies involving 1,678 vigabatrin-exposed patients also found a substantial association with visual-field loss, although estimates varied between studies and patient groups. This evidence explains why structured visual monitoring is an important part of vigabatrin treatment.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does Vigabatrin Visual Field Loss Feel Like?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18456\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-200x109.png 200w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-400x218.png 400w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-600x327.png 600w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-800x436.png 800w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-27.png 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You may find it harder to notice objects or people approaching from the side as your peripheral vision narrows. You may also bump into things or feel less confident moving through unfamiliar places, although early changes can be difficult to notice.<\/p>\n<p>You should know that vigabatrin-related visual field loss can affect both eyes and may become severe or permanent. You should tell your medical team promptly if you notice changes in your side vision or your field of view becomes restricted.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Are Eye Tests Needed When You Take Vigabatrin?<\/h2>\n<p>You should have regular eye tests while taking vigabatrin because vision loss can develop without obvious symptoms. Visual field testing can detect changes in your peripheral vision before you notice them yourself.<\/p>\n<p>You should attend these checks even if your eyesight feels normal. Your specialist can decide whether you need to continue vigabatrin if a visual field change is detected.<\/p>\n<p><strong>UK Guidance Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vigabatrin requires structured visual monitoring because visual-field loss can develop without noticeable symptoms. Vision should be assessed when treatment begins, with regular visual-field and\/or retinal assessment during treatment and follow-up after treatment ends.<\/p>\n<p>Topiramate requires a different approach. Sudden blurred vision, short-sightedness, eye pain or redness can indicate secondary angle-closure glaucoma and requires emergency assessment because treatment may need to be changed rapidly.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can Topiramate Affect Your Eyes?<\/h2>\n<p>You should know that topiramate can rarely cause sudden short-sightedness and secondary angle-closure glaucoma. You may notice blurred vision, difficulty seeing distant objects, eye pain or redness as pressure inside your eye rises.<\/p>\n<p>You should seek urgent eye assessment if these symptoms develop, particularly within the first month of starting topiramate. Unlike common glaucoma, this complication can develop suddenly, and prompt assessment and treatment are important because untreated raised eye pressure can threaten your sight.<\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Warning Signs of Topiramate-Related Glaucoma?<\/h2>\n<p>You should seek urgent help if your vision suddenly becomes blurred while taking topiramate, especially if your eyes are painful or red. You may also experience headache, nausea, vomiting or halos around lights when eye pressure rises quickly.<\/p>\n<p>You should not ignore these symptoms or simply wait for your next appointment. You should seek emergency assessment and tell the clinician that you take topiramate, but you should not stop the medicine suddenly without medical advice because this can trigger seizures.<\/p>\n<h2>Can Carbamazepine Cause Blurred or Double Vision?<\/h2>\n<p>You may experience blurred or double vision while taking carbamazepine, particularly when you first start treatment or your dose is changed. You may also notice difficulty focusing between near and distant objects or involuntary eye movements called nystagmus.<\/p>\n<p>You should tell your prescribing team if these symptoms develop, especially after a dose increase. You should not reduce or stop carbamazepine yourself, as your treatment needs to maintain good seizure control, while persistent double vision should be assessed to rule out other causes.<\/p>\n<h2>Can Lamotrigine Affect Your Vision?<\/h2>\n<p>You may experience blurred or double vision while taking lamotrigine, and nystagmus can occur less commonly. These effects are usually related to how the medicine affects your nervous system rather than progressive eye disease, although other anti-seizure medicines can sometimes contribute.<\/p>\n<p>You should tell your specialist if your symptoms start after another medicine is added or a dose is changed. If you develop visual symptoms with a widespread rash, blistering, mouth sores or severe illness, you should seek urgent medical attention.<\/p>\n<h2>What About Phenytoin and Eye Movements?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-200x109.png 200w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-400x218.png 400w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-600x327.png 600w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-800x436.png 800w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-26.png 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You may develop involuntary eye movements called nystagmus while taking phenytoin, particularly if the medicine level becomes too high. You may also notice blurred or double vision, dizziness, poor coordination or unsteadiness.<\/p>\n<p>You should tell your medical team promptly if these symptoms develop, as your dose, other medicines or phenytoin blood level may need review. You should not miss or change doses yourself, as maintaining stable seizure control is important.<\/p>\n<h2>Can Sodium Valproate or Other Medicines Cause Visual Symptoms?<\/h2>\n<p>You may experience visual symptoms with sodium valproate or other anti-seizure medicines, although the effects vary between treatments. You may notice double vision, blurred vision, dizziness or difficulty focusing, particularly after a dose change or when taking more than one medicine.<\/p>\n<p>You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about any new or troublesome visual symptoms rather than assuming they are harmless. The specific medicine, dose and combination of treatments can help your specialist decide whether your symptoms are likely to be medication-related or need further eye assessment.<\/p>\n<h2>Could Epilepsy Itself Cause Visual Changes?<\/h2>\n<p>You may experience visual changes because of epilepsy itself, rather than your medication. During or after a seizure, you may notice flashing lights, unusual shapes, altered colours or temporary changes in your visual field, while migraine can cause similar symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>You should tell your clinician when the visual changes occur and whether they are linked to seizures, medication or happen at other times. If your symptoms continue between seizures or seem to affect your eyes directly, you may also benefit from an eye examination.<\/p>\n<h2>Which Visual Symptoms Should You Report?<\/h2>\n<p>You should report any new, persistent or unusual visual symptoms to your epilepsy team, particularly blurred or double vision after a dose change. You should also mention reduced peripheral vision, difficulty seeing objects from the side, new eye movements or problems focusing.<\/p>\n<p>You should seek urgent assessment if you develop sudden short-sightedness, eye redness or pain while taking topiramate, as these may indicate acute angle closure. You should describe what you see, when it happens and whether one or both eyes are affected, rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.<\/p>\n<h2>When Does a Vision Problem Need Urgent Attention?<\/h2>\n<p>You should seek urgent medical attention if you suddenly lose vision or develop severe eye pain, particularly with a red eye, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. You may also need prompt assessment for sudden double vision, flashing lights or a dark shadow across your sight.<\/p>\n<p>If you take topiramate, you should tell the healthcare professional immediately if you develop sudden eye pain or blurred vision, as this may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma. You should also avoid driving if your vision is significantly impaired or you have double vision, as this can make judging distances and hazards unsafe.<\/p>\n<h2>Should You Stop Epilepsy Medication Because Your Vision Changes?<\/h2>\n<p>You should not stop or change your anti-seizure medicine yourself because sudden withdrawal can trigger seizures. You should tell your epilepsy specialist about any new vision changes so they can decide whether your dose, timing or combination of medicines needs adjusting.<\/p>\n<p>You should seek urgent medical help for serious problems such as suspected topiramate-related angle closure, while vigabatrin-related visual field loss may also require a treatment review. You should make sure your eye specialist and epilepsy team communicate about any medication changes so your eyesight and seizure control are both considered.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can an Eye Specialist Assess Medication-Related Vision Problems?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18453\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1100\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-200x109.png 200w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-400x218.png 400w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-600x327.png 600w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-800x436.png 800w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JFAM-24.png 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your eye specialist may check your vision, pupils, eye movements, focusing and eye alignment to understand your symptoms. You may also need an eye pressure check if glaucoma is suspected, while visual field testing is particularly important if you take vigabatrin.<\/p>\n<p>Your specialist may also examine your retina and optic nerves to rule out other eye conditions. You should bring a list of all your medicines, including doses and recent changes, as this can help your specialist identify whether your treatment may be contributing to the problem.<\/p>\n<h2>Myth vs Fact<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Myth<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Fact<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>All vision changes caused by epilepsy medication are permanent.<\/td>\n<td>Many visual side effects, such as dose-related blurred or double vision, may improve after your treatment is reviewed. However, some problems, particularly vigabatrin-associated visual-field loss, can be permanent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>You will always notice vigabatrin-related visual-field loss yourself.<\/td>\n<td>Many people with confirmed visual-field defects do not initially notice symptoms. This is why regular visual monitoring is recommended even when your eyesight feels normal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Topiramate-related glaucoma develops slowly like most common glaucoma.<\/td>\n<td>Topiramate can rarely cause secondary angle closure that develops suddenly, often early after treatment begins. Sudden blurred vision with eye pain or redness requires emergency assessment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Double vision always means there is something wrong with the eye itself.<\/td>\n<td>Double vision can result from the effects of anti-seizure medicines on the brain, nerves or eye movements, but it can also have unrelated neurological or ophthalmic causes. Persistent or sudden double vision should be assessed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>You should immediately stop epilepsy medication if your vision changes.<\/td>\n<td>Do not alter anti-seizure medication independently. Sudden withdrawal can provoke seizures. Seek medical advice promptly so the cause can be assessed and your treatment changed safely when necessary.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>If your eyesight feels normal while taking vigabatrin, you do not need visual-field testing.<\/td>\n<td>Vigabatrin-related visual-field loss can develop without noticeable symptoms, so scheduled monitoring remains important even when you feel that your eyesight is unchanged.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Blurred vision, double vision and nystagmus can occur with several anti-seizure medicines, particularly after starting treatment or changing the dose.<\/li>\n<li>Vigabatrin can cause potentially permanent peripheral visual-field loss that may initially produce no noticeable symptoms.<\/li>\n<li>People receiving vigabatrin need structured visual monitoring even when their eyesight appears normal.<\/li>\n<li>Topiramate can rarely cause acute short-sightedness and secondary angle-closure glaucoma, usually within the first month of treatment.<\/li>\n<li>Sudden eye pain, redness and blurred vision while taking topiramate require emergency assessment.<\/li>\n<li>Carbamazepine, lamotrigine and phenytoin can cause neurological visual symptoms such as diplopia, blurred vision or nystagmus.<\/li>\n<li>Some visual symptoms may result from epilepsy, migraine or another eye or neurological condition rather than medication.<\/li>\n<li>Do not independently stop or alter anti-seizure medication because of a visual symptom. Seek appropriate medical advice so that your eyesight and seizure control can both be protected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Can you experience blurred or double vision from epilepsy medication?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. You may notice blurred or double vision after starting treatment or changing your dose. These symptoms may improve as your body adjusts.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Can vigabatrin permanently affect your eyesight?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. Vigabatrin can cause permanent peripheral vision loss. You should attend scheduled visual-field tests even if your eyesight feels normal.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Can topiramate cause glaucoma and vision problems?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. Topiramate can rarely cause secondary angle-closure glaucoma. If you develop sudden blurred vision with eye pain or redness, seek urgent assessment.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Can you develop nystagmus from epilepsy medication?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. You may develop nystagmus with medicines such as phenytoin or carbamazepine. Tell your medical team if you notice new eye movements.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Can carbamazepine cause blurred or double vision?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. You may notice blurred or double vision, particularly after starting carbamazepine or increasing your dose.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Can lamotrigine affect your eyesight?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. You may develop blurred or double vision and, less commonly, nystagmus. Tell your specialist if symptoms persist.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Can epilepsy itself cause visual symptoms?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. During or after a seizure, you may notice flashing lights, unusual shapes, altered colours or temporary visual-field changes.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Which vision changes should you report?<\/strong><br \/>\nYou should report persistent blurred or double vision, reduced side vision, focusing problems or unusual eye movements.<\/li>\n<li><strong> When should you seek urgent help?<\/strong><br \/>\nYou should seek urgent help for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a painful red eye, rapidly worsening sight or sudden double vision.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Should you stop epilepsy medication if your vision changes?<\/strong><br \/>\nNo. You should contact your epilepsy specialist rather than stopping treatment yourself, because sudden withdrawal can trigger seizures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Final Thoughts: Epilepsy Medication and Your Eyesight<\/h2>\n<p>Some epilepsy medicines can cause temporary visual symptoms such as blurred or double vision, while others can lead to more specific eye problems. Vigabatrin can cause permanent peripheral vision loss, while topiramate can rarely trigger sudden angle-closure glaucoma, so you should report any new or worsening changes in your eyesight promptly.<\/p>\n<p>If you have any concerns about your eyesight, the team at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/\">Eye Clinic London<\/a> can provide a comprehensive eye assessment and discuss the next steps that may be appropriate for you.<\/p>\n<h2>References:<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Green, M.B. and Duker, J.S. (2023) \u2018Adverse ocular effects of systemic medications\u2019, <em>Life<\/em>, 13(3), 660. DOI: 10.3390\/life13030660. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-1729\/13\/3\/660\">https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-1729\/13\/3\/660<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Maguire, M.J., Hemming, K., Wild, J.M., Hutton, J.L. and Marson, A.G. (2010) \u2018Prevalence of visual field loss following exposure to vigabatrin therapy: a systematic review\u2019, <em>Epilepsia<\/em>, 51(12), pp. 2423\u20132431. DOI: 10.1111\/j.1528-1167.2010.02772.x. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21070215\/\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21070215\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Al Owaifeer, A.M., AlSultan, Z.M. and Badawi, A.H. (2022) \u2018Topiramate-induced acute angle closure: A systematic review of case reports and case series\u2019, <em>Indian Journal of Ophthalmology<\/em>, 70(5), pp. 1491\u20131501. DOI: 10.4103\/ijo.IJO_2134_21. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9333044\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9333044\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Hilton, E.J.R., Hosking, S.L. and Betts, T. (2004) \u2018The effect of antiepileptic drugs on visual performance\u2019, <em>Seizure<\/em>, 13(2), pp. 113\u2013128. DOI: 10.1016\/S1059-1311(03)00082-7. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1059131103000827\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1059131103000827<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Asadi-Pooya, A.A. and Sperling, M.R. (2022) \u2018Antiseizure medications and ophthalmologic problems\u2019, in <em>Antiseizure Medications: A Clinician\u2019s Manual<\/em>, 3rd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 281\u2013286. DOI: 10.1093\/med\/9780197541210.003.0028. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/book\/44298\/chapter\/373617618\">https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/book\/44298\/chapter\/373617618<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Clayton, L.M., Stern, W.M., Newman, W.D., Sander, J.W., Acheson, J. and Sisodiya, S.M. (2013) \u2018Evolution of visual field loss over ten years in individuals taking vigabatrin\u2019, <em>Epilepsy Research<\/em>, 105(3), pp. 262\u2013271. DOI: 10.1016\/j.eplepsyres.2013.02.014. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0920121113000740\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0920121113000740<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may notice blurred vision or double vision while taking epilepsy medication, particularly when starting treatment, increasing the dose or combining medicines. These effects may be temporary or dose-related, but some medicines can cause more serious eye problems. You should seek urgent help for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or rapidly worsening sight. You should not stop your epilepsy medication suddenly without medical advice, as this can trigger seizures. How Can Epilepsy Medicines Affect Your Vision? Epilepsy medicines can<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":18457,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.4 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can Epilepsy Medication Affect Your Eyesight?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how some epilepsy medicines can affect eyesight and which visual symptoms should be assessed.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/epilepsy-medication-eyesight\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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