Treatment of Ocular Hypertension With Oral Beta‐adrenergic Blocking Agents

Propranolol, a β ‐adrenergic blocking agent, was given by mouth to 22 patients with elevated IOP resistent to conventional medical treatment or where conventional treatment was contraindicated. A lasting reduction of IOP was obtained in 11 cases; open‐angle glaucoma or elevated IOP responded best. No significant side‐effects were observed. Having in mind the contraindications of β ‐adrenergic blocking agents, propranolol can be usefully employed in ophthalmology for controlling elevated IOP.