The treatment of glaucoma with propranolol (Inderal). A clinical trial.

The effect of propranolol (Inderal) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma has been measured. Twenty-two patients completed the clinical trial. Propranolol in doses of 160 mg/d effectively lowered IOP in eyes with various types of open angle glaucoma. The test periods lasted from 4 to 6 days. The ocular hypotensive effect of propranolol was also registered in patients efficiently treated with pilocarpine and acetazolamide (Diamox), and in glaucomas not satisfactorily controlled by this therapy. High positive correlations between mean pretreatment pressure (P1), and pressure fall (delta P) were found (P less than 0.001), and the pressure decrease induced by propranolol treatment tended to be proportional to the pressure gradient between the anterior chamber and the episcleral veins. This pressure gradient was reduced by an average of about 50% following propranolol treatment. There was no change in scleral rigidity after propranolol.