MEDICAL-TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Recent developments in the medical management of glaucoma are reviewed for the period of October 1989 through September 1990. Topics discussed include: the protection afforded by beta-adrenergic antagonists against the progression of glaucomatous damage; new studies demonstrating the efficacy of topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitors; the efficacy and mechanisms of action of new formulations of topically administered prostaglandins; the vascular actions and consequent potential concerns as well as benefits of beta-adrenergic antagonists, of calcium channel blockers, and of alpha-2-adrenergic agonists; and possible new horizons in the medical therapy of glaucoma arising from the study of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and atrial natriuretic peptides.