Adverse drug events leading to emergency department visits at an eye hospital: A brief report.

Purpose: To evaluate adverse drug events (ADEs) resulting in emergency department visits in an eye hospital.

Method: Emergency department visits at Farabi Eye Hospital were assessed for a 7-day period. The patients' eye disorders and drug history were evaluated to detect ADEs.

Results: Of 1631 emergency visits, 5 (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.13-0.71%) were drug related. Tetracaine eye drops accounted for 4 (80%, 95% CI: 38-96%) cases with corneal involvement. The other case was an intense conjunctival injection due to naphazoline eye drops.

Conclusion: ADEs should be considered in differential diagnosis of ocular emergency problems and preventive measure should be considered.