Abstract
Objectives : Diazepam, a benzodiazepine is used clinically for its anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, muscle-relaxant effects, and when used therapeutically, little or no attention is paid to its ocular effects or manifestations. Methods : The ocular manifestations or signs after therapeutic ingestion of diazepam on visual functions were determined in ten healthy young adult volunteers. The following visual functions were assessed: pupil size, amplitude of accommodation, near point of convergence, visual acuity at near and far, as well as distant and near phoria. Results : Revealed that diazepam has no effect on the pupil diameter, as well as near and distant visual acuity, while the near point of convergence and the amplitude of accommodation increased by 51% and 13.4% respectively. However, the phoria status tended towards orthophoria thereby enhancing existing heterophoria. Conclusion : Consequently, there is need for close monitoring to avoid negative effects on vision following prolonged use of diazepam.
Highlights
Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is a sedativehypnotic drug with anxiolytic, muscle relaxant autonomic, calming, sleep inducing and anticonvulsant properties
This study deals with the effects of diazepam, a member of benzodiazepine group on visual functions in the process of accomplishing its therapeutic effects
Differences, between the initial values of the visual parameters or functions and those observed after drug administration were regarded as the effect of the drug on the particular visual function or parameter
Summary
A benzodiazepine, is a sedativehypnotic drug with anxiolytic, muscle relaxant autonomic, calming, sleep inducing and anticonvulsant properties. Most important effects of the drug are exerted on the central nervous system, and these include reduction of anxiety and aggression, sedation and induction of sleep, reduction of muscle tone and coordination as well as anticonvulsant effect[1,2,3]. Benzodiazepine as a group reduces the time taken to get to sleep and increases the total duration of sleep, reduces muscle tone by a central action that is independent of their sedative effect. Members of the group have anticonvulsant activity and are generally more effective against chemically-induced convulsions than against electrically-induced ones[4]. This study deals with the effects of diazepam, a member of benzodiazepine group on visual functions in the process of accomplishing its therapeutic effects
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