Ketamine-Associated Corneal Edema

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a case of ketamine-associated corneal edema. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 61-year-old man prescribed oral ketamine for refractory depression developed bilateral corneal edema. This immediately resolved off ketamine and recurred with rechallenge. Rapid corneal endothelial cell loss occurred during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine may induce potentially reversible corneal edema with endothelial cell loss. A thorough medication history of this and other drugs should be sought in patients with an otherwise unexplained corneal endothelial failure.