Retinal toxicity is a term used to describe damage to the retina by toxins, typically from a drug. It is most understood by its symptoms, which include a loss of color vividness, trouble reading, and a blurred spot in the center of a person’s vision often called bull’s eye maculopathy.
Until now, retinal toxicity has mostly been associated with antimalarial medication hydroxychloroquine. However, Elmiron patients have been showing many of the same symptoms.
This drug-induced retinal toxicity is what doctors believe is behind the cause of retinal maculopathy:
“The authors (of Emory’s study) suggest that the retinal cells may be accumulating PPS (pentosan polysulfate sodium or Elmiron) or a toxic metabolite over time.” – Jill Osborne, IC Network