Bisphosphonate-associated Scleritis: A Case Report and Review

Abstract

An 86-year-old female was treated for osteoporosis with alendronate, an aminobisphosphonate. Six weeks after alendronate therapy began, scleritis developed in the patient's right eye. The alendronate was discontinued, and, with the administration of prednisone, the symptoms of scleritis fully resolved. Rechallenge resulted in recurrence of the symptoms. Bisphosphonates are commonly used in the management of osteoporosis and are generally safe agents. Rarely, they have been linked with ocular inflammation. This case report reviews the literature on the ocular effects of bisphosphonates and discusses a possible mechanism for the association.