Headaches and Migraine Associated with Eyestrain. Preliminary Report of a Trial of Chlordiazepoxide.

ONE of the most difficult therapeutic problems for the ophthalmologist at the present time is that of headaches associated with eye strain. The majority of these are associated with heterophoria and standard therapy has been disappointing. The initial response to drugs, e.g. atropine, and cholinesterase inhibition, has not been impressive and relapse after a while has been the rule. Costenbader (1958) tried the effect of tranquillizing drugs in esotropia and found "they offer some hope for improvement". Chlordiazepoxide therefor seemed a drug which was worthy of study since it offered not only a tranquillizing but also a central muscle relaxant action. This is a preliminary report on the results obtained.