THE OCULAR HYPERTENSIVE EFFECTS OF TOPICAL 0.1-PERCENT DEXAMETHASONE IN BEAGLES WITH INHERITED GLAUCOMA

Topical 0.1% dexamethasone(50 mu l) instilled QID in glaucomatous Beag les increased intraocular pressure (IOP) by about 5 mm Hg within the f irst seven to ten days in a four week test. The elevated levels of IOP persisted until drug instillations ceased. Both drug eye and placebo eye IOP levels were increased significantly over the predrug (control) IOPs. Comparisons of the IOP changes associated with topical dexameth asone in beagles bred for glaucoma and less than seven months of age t o older glaucomatous Beagles did not detect any significant difference s. The magnitude of elevation in IOP in both age groups was about 4.8 mmHg. During the week after cessation of the topical dexamethasone ins tillations, IOPs of both the drug and placebo eyes declined toward pre drug levels. Primary open angle glaucoma in the Beagle exhibits a sign ificant and rapid elevation in IOP following unilateral or bilateral 0 .1% dexamethasone instilled QID.