New topical drugs for open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

When we reviewed the management of open-angle glaucoma in 1997,1 the topical drug treatments available included beta-blockers, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (dorzolamide), an alpha₂ agonist (apraclonidine), a prostaglandin analogue (latanoprost) and a variety of miotics and sympathomimetics. We concluded that a beta-blocker was the treatment of first choice. Here, we review seven new topical preparations that have been marketed, or had their licensed indications changed, since our earlier article.