Abstract

Phenytoin and Carbamazepine, especially in combination or after repeated exposure to toxic blood concentrations, can produce neurological and mental syndroms. Possible mechanisms of impaired neurological and mental function include neuronal damage, or disturbance of folic acid, monoamine or hormonal metabolism. Phenytoin and Carbamazepine may also impair the ocular system. The most common symptoms are diplopia, nystagmus and blurred vision. Cerebellar or vestibulo-ocular dysfunction is suspected as mechanism of these ocular adverse effects.

© 1991 Optical Society of America