Beta Blockers

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
I'm currently taking latanoprost eye drops for high pressure in my eyes, but the pressure is still high. I also have high blood pressure that I'm trying to control with exercise and medicine. Is there a blood pressure beta blocker known to help lower pressure in the eyes?   

Answer:
Latanoprost is an effective agent to lower the eye's internal pressure but a few do not respond and some get only a partial response. Beta blockers (mostly with the name of timolol) have had a lengthy experience in lowering eye pressure and are quite effective as an addition to latanoprost. It is probably the next to be considered by your ophthalmologist for this condition.  It has to be applied topically as the systemic administration (by pills) can help with blood pressure but has minimal effect on the eye.

Answered by: Richard Bensinger, MD  

Categories: Eye Diseases

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