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Dendritic keratopathy associated with beta-blocker eyedrops
K R Wilhelmus1, R R McCulloch, R L Gross
1Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Cornea
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Topical beta-blocker eye drops, including betaxolol and levobunolol, can cause dendriform corneal epithelial lesions in glaucoma patients. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing the medication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic open-angle glaucoma management often involves topical beta-blocker eye drops.
- Betaxolol and levobunolol are commonly prescribed beta-blockers for glaucoma treatment.
Observation:
- Four patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma presented with dendriform corneal epithelial lesions.
- Two cases were linked to topical betaxolol use (2 months and 6 weeks).
- Two cases were associated with topical levobunolol use.
Findings:
- Dendriform corneal epithelial lesions resolved within two weeks of discontinuing the beta-blocker eye drops.
- The distinctive pattern suggests a potential link between these medications and epithelial toxicity.
- Regeneration of corneal epithelium may occur after medication cessation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for beta-blocker eye drops to induce dendriform keratopathy.
- Discontinuation of the offending agent is an effective treatment strategy.
- Further research may elucidate the precise mechanism of epithelial toxicity and regeneration.