Canthaxanthin Retinopathy: Long-Term Observations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the long-term outcome of canthaxanthin retinopathy. METHODS: We identified 13 patients with small golden particles near the macular region among a group of 35 patients with known consumption of canthaxanthin somewhen between 1983 and 1988. One long-term follow-up examination was possible in 5 of 13 cases after 16-24 years. The examinations included determination of visual acuity, the Amsler grid, slit lamp examination, perimetry, electro-oculography, electroretinography, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: Complete disappearance of the golden particles took approximately 20 years. The patients in our study were asymptomatic and no functional defect related to canthaxanthin could be detected. CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of canthaxanthin causes no long-term adverse effects.