Bilateral Irreversible Amantadine-Related Corneal Edema Successfully Treated With Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

Abstract

Corneal edema is a recognized adverse reaction of chronic amantadine hydrochloride use. Fortunately, it is usually reversible with prompt discontinuation of the medication. We report a case of a patient with schizoaffective disorder–bipolar treated with high doses of amantadine for drug-induced akathisia, who developed irreversible bilateral severe corneal edema, and was successfully treated with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). This case highlights the importance of recognizing amantadine-induced endothelial toxicity and confirms the utility of DMEK in the treatment of the condition.