THE USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN FOR TREATMENT OF ACQUIRED NYSTAGMUS AND OSCILLOPSIA

Purpose: To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in treating p atients with diminished visual acuity secondary to acquired nystagmus and oscillopsia.Methods: Twelve patients with acquired nystagmus causi ng oscillopsia and reduced vision were treated with injection of BTA. Botulinum toxin A was injected directly into the horizontal recti in t hree 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: Impro vement in visual function varied, and not all patients benefited from the procedure. However, 8 of 12 patients demonstrated a measurable imp rovement in visual acuity. Transient ptosis was the most common side e ffect. Conclusion: Retrobulbar BTA provides a simple and safe alternat ive in managing a condition for which alternative treatments are typic ally unsatisfactory.