Beta-Blockers
Eye Drops: Betimol, Betoptic S, Betagan, Ocupress, Optipranolol, Timoptic, Timoptic XE
Purpose: Decreases the production of intraocular fluid.
The most widely used of all glaucoma medications at the present time, and are usually the first type of medication a doctor will use. Side effects can include low blood pressure, reduced pulse rate, and fatigue. Beta-blockers can also cause shortness of breath in people who have a history of asthma or other respiratory disorders.
Additionally, beta-blockers can change cardiac activity by decreasing the amount of blood the heart pumps out, which may reduce the pulse rate and/or slow down the heart’s response rate during exercise. Rare side effects can include reduced libido and depression.
