DIAMOX (ACETAZOLEAMIDE) IN TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Abstract

A COROLLARY of Friedenwald's concept of bicarbonate secretion in the formation of aqueous humor is that inhibition of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase might be expected to decrease the rate of secretion and lower the intraocular pressure. Thus it was not surprising when the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor Diamox * (acetazoleamide) became available and was found safe for human beings, that several investigators should have given it a trial in glaucoma simultaneously and independently. Some of these results have been published,¹ and many others may be expected in the near future. The following is a report of our initial experience.† Preliminary trials of Diamox in rabbits produced definite lowering of intraocular pressure when 10 to 100 mg. per kilogram was injected intravenously. However, no significant effect on intraocular pressure was obtained when a saturated solution of Diamox was dropped repeatedly on the cornea or injected subconjunctivally. CLINICAL INVESTIGATION Clinical trials, in both