Central retinal vein occlusion with secondary cilioretinal artery occlusion following oral minoxidil use: A case report and literature review

Minoxidil, a drug that is widely used for hair loss treatment, is considered a safe medication. While there are minor side-effects such as scalp irritation or systemic effects like tachycardia, it is rarely associated with severe ocular complications. We report a case where a 35-year-old man, taking oral Minoxidil for alopecia, developed Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) with Cilioretinal Artery Occlusion (CLRAO), leading to sudden vision loss. After Minoxidil discontinuation, the patient’s vision significantly improved. This incident emphasises the importance of recognizing potential ocular side effects of Minoxidil among healthcare professionals and necessitates further research to understand its comprehensive impact on health.