The effect of metoprolol on intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma. A pilot study.

Eleven patients with previously untreated glaucoma of one eye were given metoprolol, 50 mg x 3 for one day. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and heart rate were significantly reduced during treatment, and increased after withdrawal of the drug. In the eyes with glaucoma, the mean IOP was reduced from 30.1 to 20.6 mmHg during treatment. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also reduced during treatment, but stayed at the same level after withdrawal of the drug. It is concluded that at least part of the reductions observed for IOP and heart rate are drug-induced, while the effect on blood preassure is mainly induced by factors other than the drug. The effect on IOP is considered large enough to be of clinical interest.