Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the most widely used medications in clinical practice, especially who were diagnosed with depression and other heterogeneous mood and anxiety disorders. During the next two decades, the incidence of psychiatric diseases in the general population will progressively increase. Due to this reason, the prescribing pattern of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may further increase in future. Among the anti depressant classes SSRI’s are the most commonly prescribed anti depressant drugs when compared to other anti depressants because of their favourable safety profile. Serotonin has a role in control of the intra ocular pressure. Evidences were showing that in patients receiving SSRIs intraocular modifications were observed. In Indian scenario, literature regarding elevated intraocular pressure due to SSRIs was not up to the mark and by this study we made an attempt to observe the modifications in the intra ocular pressure in subjects who were under treatment with SSRIs. The main aim of our study is to observe the changes in the intra ocular pressure of the individuals who were under treatment with SSRIs for the first time and also observation of possible changes in the field of vision. For measuring the intraocular pressure, Goldman applantation tonometer and for testing the field of vision, Humphrey perimetry were used. Significant changes were observed in the intraocular pressure of the right eye in the 1st week (p=0.02) and in the intraocular pressure of left eye at 12th week (p=0.03). No significant changes were observed in case of field of vision. To avoid further and more hazardous ocular side effects we have to advice the patient to consult an ophthalmologist before starting SSRIs, if he/she is having ascertained glaucomatous risk factors such as gender, race, history of glaucoma, mid or high hyperopia, cataract, in the family.
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