[Impact of Drugs on Glaucoma and Intraocular Pressure]

Purpose Systemic drugs may have unfavourable effects on intraocular pressure, glaucoma and the efficacy of glaucoma drugs. Material and Methods The article provides a review of the literature from PubMed and clinical experience. Results Topical and systemic corticosteroids induce complex changes inside the trabecular meshwork. New genetic results improve the understanding of pathogenetic processes, although many questions are still open. Arterial hypertension and antihypertonic drugs may influence the risk of glaucoma, intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressure. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy may be associated with the risk of sustained intraocular pressure elevation. Systemic drugs with parasympaticolytic activity (e.g. psychopharmaceuticals) are able to induce acute angle block glaucoma. Conclusion New insights into the interactions between drugs (e.g. antihypertensives, corticosteroids) and glaucomatous optic neuropathy affect large patient groups and may improve understanding of the underlying pathogenetic processes in open angle glaucoma. There is a great need for further clinical and experimental research.