The use of botulinum toxin for treatment of acquired nystagmus and oscillopsia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in treating patients with diminished visual acuity secondary to acquired nystagmus and oscillopsia.


METHODS
Twelve patients with acquired nystagmus causing oscillopsia and reduced vision were treated with injection of BTA. Botulinum toxin A was injected directly into the horizontal recti in three patients, and in nine patients retrobulbar BTA was administered. Injections were given at 3- to 4-month intervals and repeated as long as patients noted improvement in their quality of life.


RESULTS
Improvement in visual function varied, and not all patients benefited from the procedure. However, 8 of 12 patients demonstrated a measurable improvement in visual acuity. Transient ptosis was the most common side effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Retrobulbar BTA provides a simple and safe alternative in managing a condition for which alternative treatments are typically unsatisfactory.
Ruben
S T
ST
Western Ophthalmic Hospital, London, England.
Lee
J P
JP
O'Neil
D
D
Dunlop
I
I
Elston
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D001905:Botulinum Toxins