Possibility of isoproterenol therapy with soft contact lenses: ocular hypotension without systemic effects.

An experimental investigation performed in the rabbit pointed out the possibility of administering isoproterenol at low concentrations with the aid of soft contact lenses presoaked in 0.2% isoproterenol for 60 to 120 minutes. A reduction in intraocular pressure ranging from 23% to 32% was observed in 21 out of 24 glaucomatous patients. Duration of hypotension in 50% of eyes treated was more than 8 hours. Thus, a therapeutic effect was obtained with a concentration (0.2%) approximately 50 times lower than that previously employed clinically (2.4%). No systemic side effects, such as arterial hypotension and increase in heart rate, were noted.