Myopia prevention and therapy. The role of pharmaceutical agents. Japanese studies

Abstract

In order to normalize the condition of pseudomyopia, the following can be summarized: One percent cyclopentolate was effective in 63%, and 0.4% tropicamide was effective in 59% of the cases. With a value of 68% after labetalol eye drops there were no significant differences in efficacy between this drug and the above cycloplegics. In subjects treated only with placebo, 4 out of 16 eyes, i.e. 25% were relieved. A significant difference (P less than 0.01) was found between the results with the above 3 drugs and placebo. On the other hand, the efficacy of 0.25% timolol (effect in 28%) and chemical X (effect in 37%) were not significantly different from the effect of placebo, though the results with chemical X encourage further trials. It can be postulated that by releasing an abnormal tension cycloplegics reduce the myopic condition. Regarding the hypotensive action of beta-adrenergic blockers on intraocular pressure, it presumably depends mainly on inhibition of secretion in the ciliary body. The fact that labetalol appeared effective, and timolol not, in treatment trials of slight myopia might imply that the mechanism behind an effect of labetalol on slight myopia is not merely a beta-adrenergic blocking action.