Levodopa/carbidopa in the treatment of amblyopia.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Levodopa/carbidopa improves visual acuity in patients with amblyopia and maintains improved visual acuity, especially in patients younger than 8 years.
Dadeya
Subhash
S
Guru Nanak Eye Center, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, India.
Vats
Pankaj
P
Malik
K P S
KP