LEVODOPA CARBIDOPA FOR CHILDHOOD AMBLYOPIA

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of two low doses of le vodopa/carbidopa (25/6.25 mg, 50/12.5 mg) and placebo (Tums) in 20 chi ldren with amblyopia between the ages of 4 and 14 years. Methods. A do uble-masked placebo-controlled randomized 8-hour study was performed d uring which subjects received one of two doses of levodopa/carbidopa o r placebo, combined with occlusion of the dominant eye. Visual acuity was measured at baseline and at 1 and 5 hours after capsule ingestion. Tolerance was assessed by questionnaire and physical examination. Res ults. Visual acuity significantly improved by one line, from an overal l average of 20/121 to 20/96, in the amblyopic eyes of both groups tha t received levodopa/carbidopa. Visual acuity did not significantly cha nge in the placebo group. Tolerance was similar among all three groups . Conclusion. Average dose levels of 0.95/0.24 mg/kg and 1.94/0.49 mg/ kg of levodopa/carbidopa were found to be well tolerated and efficacio us at temporarily improving visual acuity in amblyopic eyes of childre n.