Methyldopa-related convergence insufficiency.
A case report of convergence insufficiency related to the use of methyldopa is presented. Methyldopa is a systemic antihypertensive agent. It has sympatholytic properties which lower blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. The proposed effects of methyldopa on binocular vision are reduced accommodative convergence and increased demand on fusional convergence. These effects would create a susceptibility to convergence insufficiency. To my knowledge, an association between methyldopa and convergence insufficiency has not been previously reported.
Tassinari
J
J
Southern California College of Optometry, Optometric Center, Fullerton 92631-1699.
D000065:Accommodation, Ocular / Q000187:drug effects; D000328:Adult; D003290:Convergence, Ocular / Q000187:drug effects*; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015348:Vision, Binocular / Q000187:drug effects; D014792:Visual Acuity
D008750:Methyldopa