Use of ethyl apovincaminate in ophthalmological therapy.

Ethyl apovincaminate (RGH-4405, Cavinton) has been administered to 100 predominantly arteriosclerotic patients to increase circulation in the eyeground. Visual acuities improved in 88 cases, by 73% in average; in twelve cases there was no change, but deterioration did not occur. Improvement was still more significant (267%) in occlusions and retinopathies associated with atherosclerosis of the central retinal artery. The dose of Cavinton was 20 mg in drop infusion or three times daily 10 mg i.v. Side-effects, if any, disappeared spontaneously upon reduction of the dose. The improvement paralleled the increases of the blood pressures in the central retinal arteries. This increase of pressure head is suggested to dilate passively the vessels.