Which beta blocker is commonly used in glaucoma due to non-selective beta blockade?

Which beta blocker is commonly used in glaucoma due to non-selective beta blockade?

• A. Betaxolol
• B. Timolol
• C. Labetalol
• D. Propranolol

Answer: (B)

In glaucoma management, reducing aqueous humor production by blocking beta receptors in the ciliary body is a key approach. Timolol is the classic non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker used as an eye drop because it blocks both β1 and β2 receptors in the eye, leading to less aqueous humor production and lower intraocular pressure. This non-selective blockade is why it’s commonly chosen for glaucoma. Betaxolol is a β1-selective blocker, so it doesn’t achieve the same extent of non-selective suppression in the ciliary processes. Propranolol and labetalol are typically used systemically rather than as topical glaucoma drops, with propranolol not commonly used for this purpose and labetalol more for hypertension. So the best choice for non-selective beta blockade in glaucoma is timolol.

In glaucoma management, reducing aqueous humor production by blocking beta receptors in the ciliary body is a key approach. Timolol is the classic non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker used as an eye drop because it blocks both β1 and β2 receptors in the eye, leading to less aqueous humor production and lower intraocular pressure. This non-selective blockade is why it’s commonly chosen for glaucoma. Betaxolol is a β1-selective blocker, so it doesn’t achieve the same extent of non-selective suppression in the ciliary processes. Propranolol and labetalol are typically used systemically rather than as topical glaucoma drops, with propranolol not commonly used for this purpose and labetalol more for hypertension. So the best choice for non-selective beta blockade in glaucoma is timolol.