The intraocular pressure response of glaucomatous eyes to topically applied bupranolol. A pilot study.

Bupranolol 0.5% oily solution applied topically lowered intraocular pressure of glaucomatous eyes significantly. The pressure decrease is related to pretreatment pressure levels. The maximum effect occurred within 4 hours and lasted for more than 24 hours. No objective or subjective irritation could be attributed to the ophthalmic preparation. There was no significant effect on outflow facility, on blood pressure or tear flow. However, bupranolol produces local anesthesia on the eye. The problem of tachyphylaxis is discussed in the treatment of glaucoma with bupranolol eye drops.