Levodopa/carbidopa in the treatment of amblyopia.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the role of levodopa/carbidopa in the treatment of amblyopia.

METHODS:

Thirty patients with strabismic amblyopia between the ages of 3 and 12 years were part of this double-blind, randomized study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A received 0.50 mg + 1.25 mg of levodopa/carbidopa per kilogram body weight three times daily after meals, with a protein rich drink, whereas Group B received placebo. Both groups received full-time conventional occlusion until a visual acuity of 6/6 was achieved or for a maximum of 3 months.

RESULTS:

The authors observed more than two lines improvement in visual acuity that was greater in the levodopa group (15 of 15) than in the placebo group (9 of 15) (P < .005). Furthermore, improvement in visual acuity of more than two lines was greater in patients younger than 8 years (100%) than in patients older than 8 years of age (60%) (P = .0026). There was also no significant reversal of the improved visual acuity in up to 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Levodopa/carbidopa improves visual acuity in patients with amblyopia and maintains improved visual acuity, especially in patients younger than 8 years.

• Authors: Subhash Dadeya, Pankaj Vats, K P S Malik
• Journal: Journal of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus) 2009 Mar-Apr Vol. 46 Issue 2 Pg. 87-90; quiz 91-2 ISSN: 0191-3913 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19343970 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dopamine Agents
• Levodopa
• Carbidopa

Topics

• Amblyopia (drug therapy)
• Carbidopa (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dopamine Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Levodopa (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Sensory Deprivation
• Visual Acuity