The principal beta-blockers used in glaucoma include timolol and carteolol - both non-specific - and betaxolol, which is a beta-1-receptor antagonist.
These agents are used to lower the intra-ocular pressure by reducing aqueous inflow. Their effects last up to 24 hours enabling twice daily regimes.
It has been shown that timolol lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by 25-27% with an onset over 2 hours (other nonselective beta-blockers have a similar efficacy) .
Ocular side effects infrequent but include corneal anaesthesia with punctate epithelial erosions. Topical beta-blockers are contraindicated in the same situations where systemic beta-blockers are contraindicated.
They are generally as potent as pilocarpine but with no effect on the pupil or accommodation.
The intraocular pressure reducing effect of beta-blockers is additive to other agents, apart from nonselective adrenergic agonists.
The summary of product characteristics must be consulted before using drugs mentioned.
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.