Angeles Vision Clinic
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BETA BLOCKERS
PRODUCT NAMES:
- Timoptic .5 %.25 %
- Betagan .5 % .25 %
- Optipranolol .3 %
- Timoptic XE .5% .25%
- Betoptic .5 % .25%
- Ocupress 1 %
- Betoptic-S
- Betamol .5% .25%
DIRECTIONS:
See: Proper eye drop insertion. Once the drops are in, lie back with your eyes closed for at least three minutes. Using your thumb and first finger, lightly push in on your nose where the two eye lids come together. This will give you the maximum effect on your eyes with minimum side effects.
HOW THEY WORK:
Beta blockers work both by reducing aqueous production and increasing aqueous outflow. This combination can be very effective in lowering eye pressure.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Beta blockers reduce eye pressure with little or no adverse effect on the eyes, reading ability, pupil size or night vision. They may sting slightly; most of this will go away within the first week of usage.Systemically, caution is necessary:
Severe respiratory reactions can occur. This medication should not be used on patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchospastic disease or a history of asthma.
Heart problems. Patients with a history of cardiac failure, low pulse rate or
atrioventricula block should avoid this medication.
Diabetes Mellitus. Caution should be taken in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia and insulin dependent diabetics.
Additional side effects can include headaches, lethargy, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, memory loss, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema, exacerbation of asthma, diarrhea and nausea.
If problems occur please give your eye care provider a call. Most patients tolerate these medication without noticeable side effects.
ADVANTAGES:
Beta blockers have good pressure lowering ability and need only be taken once or twice a day. They cause little if any discomfort to the eyes and vision. This makes them very convenient so most patients tolerate them nicely.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
These can pass into the breast milk but it is considered unlikely that they will cause serious adverse effects from normal eye drop doses. However, their use should still be discussed with your eye care doctor.
