Eye drops and beta blockers

effect

By blocking the beta receptor, when the substance is used systemically as a tablet, the blood pressure is regulated down and the heartbeat is decreased. When used as an eye drop, the aqueous humor production in the eye is regulated downwards, thus reducing intraocular pressure.

application areas

This is the main area of ​​application for beta blockers in ophthalmology glaucoma (green Star), in which there is an unnaturally high internal pressure in the eye and the optic nerve can be damaged over a long period of time. The following substances are used here: Betaxolol (Betoptic), Timolol (Timoptol), Carteolol (Teoptic) and Pindolol (Pindoptic). It should be taken as eye drops 1-2 times a day. After discontinuation, the effect can last for 2-5 weeks.

Side effects

Beta blockers, even if they are only applied to the eye, often also have systemic effects, which correspond to systemic beta blocker therapy using tablets. It should be mentioned here: fatigue, Narrowing of the airways, Drop in blood pressure, Disturbances in the transmission of stimuli of the heart and Memory problems. Allergies and reactive hyperemia, which causes reddening of the conjunctiva of the eyes, have also been described.

Contraindications

Patients with a known allergy to beta blockers and with low blood pressure AV block, dizziness and asthma should Beta blockers not given and should rather be switched to alternative preparations in glaucoma therapy.