Purpose: There are some controversies about the effect of Levodopa-Carbidopa on treatment of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Levodopa-Carbidopa on visual acuity, color vision, and visual field in patients with recent onset NAION (less than 6 weeks duration).

Patients and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 13 patients were treated with levodopa-carbidopa and 12 patients took placebo for 3 weeks. Visual acuity, color vision, and visual field were tested before and at 4th, 12th, 16th, and 24th weeks after enrollment, and evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age greater than 50 years old
• first ophthalmic examination within 6 weeks after onset of disease
• presence of optic disc swelling followed by optic atrophy within 6 weeks
• altitudinal, central or generalized visual field defect
• normal ESR

Exclusion Criteria:

• confirmed giant cell arteritis
• history of any ocular surgeries
• optic neuropathy due to acute bleeding
• advanced diabetic retinopathy
• uncontrolled glaucoma
• any ocular disorders that cause visual acuity reduction rather than NAION