A history of glaucoma pharmacology.
The history of glaucoma pharmacology begins in 1862 with the isolation of physostigmine from the calabar bean. The discovery of epinephrine's intraocular pressure lowering capacity came along some 40 years later. During the 20th century, drug discovery and development accelerated, with the introduction of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, beta blockers, and prostaglandin analogs. This survey of the history of glaucoma medications reviews some of the pivotal stories behind the development of the drugs that we use daily to manage our patients with glaucoma. In addition, some unmet needs that persist in glaucoma pharmacology are discussed.
Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University Eye Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA. realinia@wvuh.com
Tony
T
Realini
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000266:history* / Q000503:physiopathology; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008916:Miotics / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; D008916:Miotics; D011453:Prostaglandins