Cardiovascular effects of commonly used ophthalmic medications

Eye disease and cardiovascular disease frequently coexist. As a result, cardiologists and ophthalmologists often treat the same patients. Among ophthalmologists it is well known that topical ophthalmic medications are capable of producing serious cardiovascular effects, including congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and death. However, cardiologists may not be aware of these potential complications. This article reviews the cardiovascular effects of commonly prescribed topical ocular medications and describes important contraindications to their use in patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists, by making themselves and their patients more aware of the cardiovascular effects of topical ocular medications, may be able to avoid the adverse and potentially fatal complications of these agents.