Double-blind cross-over comparison of aceclidine and pilocarpine in open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

The results of a double-blind cross-over comparison of aceclidine hydrochloride 2 per cent. and pilocarpine 2 per cent. in 54 glaucomatous eyes are presented. Both eye drops produced a significant lowering of intraocular pressure and improvement in outflow and in the degree of miosis, but the differences between the two were small and not significant. Hyperaemia and a variety of subjective symptoms were also compared: neither drug produced serious side-effects or discomfort. Aceclidine would appear to deserve a place beside pilocarpine as a stable direct parasympathomimetic drug in the treatment of openangle glaucoma, especially if pilocarpine is not tolerated, or if it is ineffective, or becomes so after a period of use.