The use of botulinum toxin for treatment of acquired nystagmus and oscillopsia.

Abstract

To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in treating patients with diminished visual acuity secondary to acquired nystagmus and oscillopsia. 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. 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. Retrobulbar BTA provides a simple and safe alternative in managing a condition for which alternative treatments are typically unsatisfactory.