TWO PER CENT EPINEPHRINE SOLUTIONS AS SUBSTITUTES FOR LAEVOGLAUCOSAN

Abstract

Many are familiar with the properties of the synthetic levorotatory tartaric acid alkaloid derived from the suprarenal capsule, the so-called links or laevoglaucosan that was introduced by Hamburger in 1923. Used in 2 per cent solution and combined with methylamino-acetopyrocatechol in the same strength, it can be used by instillation and produces the following effects: (1) intense ischemia of the conjunctiva, with bloodless islets appearing in the cheek, lid and temple; (2) widening of the palpebral aperture ; (3) regular and wide dilatation of the pupil, and (4) a diminution in intra-ocular tension (sometimes preceded by an initial rise).I have used laevoglaucosan in cases of glaucoma simplex for three years, and believe it to be a valuable adjuvant to miotics. It is not universally successful in reducing tension; some failures must be admitted.Laevoglaucosan has the following drawbacks : ( 1 ) it is furnished in small ampules, each containing only a