[Atenolol: its effects on pressure in open-angle glaucoma]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Effective intraocular pressure (IOP) management is crucial for preventing optic nerve damage.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of topical atenolol in managing open-angle glaucoma.

Summary:

• Instilling a 4% atenolol solution demonstrated a decrease in ocular pressure.
• In inpatient settings, four daily instillations lowered average IOP below 20-22 mm Hg.
• Outpatient efficacy appeared reduced with 4-6 daily instillations.
• While hypotensive effects may wane in the second month of continuous treatment, single-dose response remained consistent.
• Atenolol treatment was well-tolerated, showing no local or systemic side effects.
• Combination therapy with other glaucoma medications yielded additive effects but negated atenolol's side-effect advantages.

Impact:

• Topical atenolol presents a well-tolerated option for glaucoma management.
• Understanding treatment duration effects is important for optimizing patient care.
• Further research may explore sustained-release formulations or alternative dosing strategies.