Effects of ocular betaxolol on glucose and lipid metabolism after long-term treatment

Seventy-five healthy adult men with ocular hypertension or recently diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma were enrolled in a prospective, randomised, double-blind study to determine the effects of an ocular beta(1)-selective antagonist, betaxolol 0.5%, on plasma total cholesterol, high density fraction, triglycerides and glucose during a treatment period of 6 months. Group A, consisting of 40 patients, received 0.5% betaxolol 1 drop in both eyes twice daily without nasolacrimal occlusion; group B, involving 35 patients, received only the vehicle of betaxolol (placebo), in the same doses without nasolacrimal occlusion. Cardiac parameters such as atrioventricular conduction, pulse rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were controlled during the study. After monthly checks and at the end of the trial, betaxolol did not produce any significant variations in plasma lipid and glucose levels in the patients examined. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of a beta(1)-selective beta-blocker for ocular use on lipid and glucose metabolism over a prolonged treatment period.