[Vascular effect and intraocular pressure-reducing effect of beta blockers]

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of a vasodilating beta receptor blocking substance on IOP in eyes with open-angle glaucoma. The study proceeded from the hypothesis that throttling of the production of aqueous humor by beta blockers and reduction of intraocular pressure is caused by vasoconstriction of the afferent vessels. The authors found that the degree of reduction of intraocular pressure corresponded to the effect of beta blockers routinely applied in glaucoma therapy. However, the duration of the effect was shorter. The above-mentioned hypothesis would thus seem to be disproved.