Methadone Linked to Eye Problems


Researchers warn that children born to mothers who have been prescribed methadone may be at an increased risk of developing serious eye problems. Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that exposure to the heroin substitute and illicit drugs can cause eye conditions including squints and blurred vision. The scientists also claim that methadone exposure may also be linked to increased incidence of developmental problems including cerebral palsy.

Researchers reached their conclusions by studying the health of twenty children born to mothers who had been prescribed methadone during pregnancy. Over half of the children studied had been directly exposed to heroin whilst developing in the womb. Scientists found that the majority of these children had poor eyesight. Eye conditions linked to methadone use, they suggest, include squints, blurred vision, long or short sighted focusing problems, involuntary eye movement and more. The researchers also discovered that almost half of the children had delayed visual maturation.

The research has caused alarm as methadone is routinely prescribed to the growing number of women who continue to misuse substances into pregnancy. Researchers cite a study carried out in the UK that suggests that up to 16% of pregnant women abuse at least one substance whilst pregnant. It is hoped that the findings may influence the way drug addiction in pregnant women is treated in order to safeguard the sensitive vision of developing babies.

30th April 2010

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