Hypotensive effect of carteolol on intraocular pressure elevation and secondary glaucoma associated with endogenous uveitis.

The therapeutic effects of carteolol hydrochloride were evaluated in the treatment of 44 uveitis patients (51 eyes) with intraocular pressure elevation or secondary glaucoma. Carteolol ophthalmic solutions, either 1% or 2%, were given twice day for more than 4 weeks in glaucomatocyclitic crisis and for more than 8 weeks in other forms of uveitis. Intraocular pressure significantly decreased from week 1 of treatment and persisted within normal limits until week 8 in glaucomatocyclitic crisis. Similarly, intraocular pressure decreased significantly from week 2 in other forms of uveitis. Intraocular pressure was well controlled in patients with open-angle glaucoma, but the control was insufficient in patients with angle-closure glaucoma. No adverse reactions such as systemic hemodynamic effects or exacerbations of intraocular inflammation were observed during this study. Carteolol therefore seems to be effective for the treatment of intraocular pressure elevation and secondary glaucoma associated with endogenous uveitis.