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To the Editor.—Oral nicotinic acid (niacin) lowers serum cholesterol levels when taken in high doses.¹ Although nicotinic acid has not achieved widespread use, its low cost makes it attractive in today's cost-conscious medical environment and its use may be increasing. In this report, we describe 3 patients who developed visual loss while taking nicotinic acid for hypercholesterolemia.

Report of Cases

A 51-year-old man gradually increased his dose of nicotinic acid from 1 g to 4.5 g. Within 4 weeks, he noted blurred vision in both eyes. Visual acuity was 20/60 OD and 20/70 OS. Both fovea had a cystic appearance but no leakage was demonstrated on fluorescein angiography. The patient discontinued the nicotinic acid and reported significant improvement 1 month later, with measured visual acuity of 20/25.

A 53-year-old man increased his dose of oral nicotinic acid from l g/d to 3 g/d over 1 year. He had been taking 3 g/d . . . [Full Text of this Article]

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Effect of niacin on the choroidal circulation of patients with age related macular degeneration
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