The influence of systemic digitalis application on intraocular pressure

The intraocular pressure (IOP) of ten healthy subjects was measured before and after a 2-week systemic application of beta-methyldigoxin. The drug led to a highly significant decrease of IOP of on the average 2 mm Hg. The decrease was independent of the blood concentration of glycoside - at least within the therapeutic range. There was a positive correlation between IOP before digoxin application and the subsequent IOP decrease. The rate of outflow increased, but not significantly. Implications for the therapy of glaucoma are briefly discussed.