ADRENERGIC BLOCKING AGENTS IN TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Abstract

REPORTS¹demonstrating the tension-lowering possibilities of adrenergic blocking agents in glaucoma are occurring in the literature. There are several types of adrenergic blocking agents. These were tested on a number of glaucomatous eyes at the Wills Hospital to determine their relative efficacy and to clarify, if possible, the type or types of glaucoma in which these agents might be most useful. Adrenergic blocking agents may be defined, according to Nickerson,²as agents which inhibit certain responses of effector cells to epinephrine, related amines, and sympathetic nerve impulses. This action of adrenergic blocking agents is distinct from the action of substances which can prevent a sympathicoadrenal discharge by block of nerve impulses in ganglia, such as tetraethylammonium effects, or along peripheral neurons, such as local anesthetics produce, or in the central nervous system, such as barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants bring about. Since these compounds do not