# Bilateral Acute Angle-Closure Crisis Associated with Oral Tramadol Use After Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A woman developed a rare eye condition after taking tramadol for pain following surgery, highlighting the need for awareness of this potential side effect.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of bilateral acute angle-closure crisis associated with oral tramadol use.

## Key findings

- The patient experienced a bilateral acute angle-closure crisis within 24 hours of starting oral tramadol.
- Full recovery was achieved after intraocular pressure-lowering therapy and laser peripheral iridotomy.
- Tramadol likely acted as a permissive factor rather than a sole cause of the crisis.

## Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Tramadol-associated acute angle-closure crisis is rare and has been reported only once previously following subcutaneous administration. Acute angle closure may occur in anatomically predisposed individuals in the setting of perioperative physiological stress, with medications acting as contributory factors. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old woman developed a bilateral acute angle-closure crisis shortly after initiating oral tramadol for postoperative pain relief following an uncomplicated robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. Within 24 h, she experienced headache, nausea, vomiting, periocular pain, and blurred vision. Ophthalmic examination revealed markedly elevated intraocular pressure (45 mmHg OD, 39 mmHg OS), corneal epithelial edema, mid-dilated pupils, and completely closed angles on gonioscopy. Prompt intraocular pressure–lowering therapy followed by bilateral Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy resulted in full anatomical and functional recovery, with visual acuity returning to baseline within 48 h. Conclusions: In this case, extreme anatomical susceptibility due to significant hyperopia and very short axial lengths likely played a dominant role, with perioperative physiological factors contributing to pupillary dilation. Oral tramadol may have acted as a permissive factor lowering the threshold for angle closure rather than as a sole causative agent. Awareness of this potential association is important to facilitate early ophthalmic referral and prevent unnecessary diagnostic evaluations.