There’s still a use for beta-blockers, clinician says

LAS VEGAS — Although beta blockers are no longer considered first-line therapy for glaucoma, they still have numerous advantages, according to one physician.

At the First Annual Ocular Surgery News Symposium — Glaucoma: Improving Your Odds, Eve J. Higginbotham, MD, encouraged physicians to use beta-blockers in selected patients. “Beta blockers are effective, safe in most patients and not as expensive as other treatment options,” she said. She said their efficacy is well established.

She also noted that beta-blockers work well with nearly all available glaucoma medications; they can be used once or twice per day; and they may also have neuroprotective qualities.

Regarding cost, Dr. Higginbotham noted a small study that investigated the cost of beta blockers. She said the study found that timolol costs between 30 cents to 46 cents per day; betaxol costs between 57 cents and 81 cents per day. She said this is a minimal price compared with other glaucoma medications.