β-blockers in glaucoma

β-adrenoreceptor antagonists are (next to prostaglandin agonists) the first line of treatment for glaucoma. Examples such as carteolol, levobunolol, and timolol are non-selective blockers. They reduce the production of aqueous humour by blocking β1 and β2 receptors in the ciliary body. Betaxolol is an example of a β1 selective blocker.

β-blockers are well-tolerated and cause hardly any local side effects. However, beta-blockers can enter the systemic circulation. Systemic adverse effects include exacerbation of comorbidities such as COPD and heart failure. Other effects are bradycardia, mood disturbances, depression, and erectile dysfunction.