What Are Beta Blockers? Benefits, Types, And Considerations

When you think of heart medication, beta blockers might come to mind. But did you know these medications can also support your eye health? If you’ve ever wondered, “What are beta blockers?” you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how they work, what conditions they may help manage, and what you can expect if they’re part of your treatment plan.

What Are Beta Blockers?

Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic antagonists or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of medication used to treat heart and blood vessel conditions. They work by slowing down the heart rate and lower the force of heart muscle contractions. This helps lower high blood pressure and decrease the workload on the heart.

Beta blockers are used for cardiovascular diseases and chest pain, as well as managing specific eye conditions.

How Do Beta Blockers Work?

Beta blockers work by blocking beta receptors in the body. These receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system and respond to stress hormones like adrenaline. When stimulated, these receptors can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and even affect your lungs and eyes.

By blocking these receptors, beta blockers slow your heart rate, reduce blood flow in certain areas, and lower blood pressure.

In the eyes, this mechanism reduces the production of aqueous humour (fluid inside the eye), which in turn lowers intraocular pressure.

Types Of Beta Blockers

Beta blockers include various types that work in slightly different ways depending on which beta receptors they block.

These receptors are found throughout the body, including the heart, lungs, and eyes, and the way a medication interacts with them helps determine its purpose and suitability.

• Selective beta blockers are designed to mainly affect the heart by targeting beta-1 receptors. They’re often used when a gentler approach is needed for individuals with certain heart or lung conditions.
• Non-selective beta blockers act on both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, including those in the eyes. These are more commonly used in eye care because of their effectiveness in lowering eye pressure.

While non-selective beta blockers are often used in eye treatments, your eye doctor may consider other beta blockers depending on your overall health and how your body responds to treatment.

Beta Blocker Use In Eye Treatment

Ophthalmologists may prescribe beta blockers for patients with conditions like open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These medications are usually applied directly to the eyes in drop form.

Because they’re topical, the effects of beta blockers on the eye are localised, but some may still be absorbed systemically. That’s why your doctor will consider your full medical history before starting treatment, especially if you have heart failure, uncontrolled heart failure, or severe asthma attacks.

Benefits Of Beta Blockers For The Eyes

Using beta blockers in eye care offers a number of helpful effects:

• They lower eye pressure effectively.
• They are often used as a first-line treatment for glaucoma.
• They can complement other treatments if needed.

Many people taking beta blockers for eye conditions find them easy to incorporate into their daily routine, especially with guidance from a caring eye team.

What To Know Before Taking Beta Blockers

Before starting any new medication, it’s important to understand how it may affect you. Beta blockers are generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, they may carry potential side effects.

It’s important to share your medical history with your healthcare provider. This includes any other medicines you’re taking, such as antihypertensive drugs or blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.

Let your provider know if you have low blood sugar, a history of heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, metabolic acidosis, or severe mental health problems.

Who Should Avoid Beta Blockers?

Not everyone is a candidate for beta blocker use. Individuals with congestive heart failure, asthma attacks, or rapid heartbeat disorders may need alternative treatments. Your eye specialist will assess your needs carefully to avoid adverse events and support your overall well-being.

If you’re living with diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your blood sugar regularly, as beta blockers may mask signs of low blood sugar.

Minimising The Side Effects Of Beta Blockers

Regular follow-up is key to effective treatment. During your visits, your eye specialist will check your eye pressure and may adjust your treatment plan depending on how your eyes are responding.

If you experience physical symptoms that seem unusual while using beta blockers, be sure to let your doctor know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I miss a dose of my eye drops?

If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it’s just before your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual. Don’t double the dose.

Should I stop using my drops if I feel fine?

You should never stop taking beta blockers or any prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first. Your eye pressure can rise again even if symptoms aren’t noticeable.

Are there alternatives to beta blockers?

Yes, there are other options available if beta blockers don’t suit you. Your specialist will recommend the best treatment for your condition.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what beta blockers are and how they work can empower you to take a more active role in your eye health. If you’ve been prescribed beta blockers for your eyes, know that you’re not alone and that personalised, professional care can make all the difference.

If you have questions, we encourage you to speak with our team about any questions or concerns. Contact Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic at (03) 9070 3580.

You deserve clear answers and support that aligns with your goals. With the right guidance, you can continue seeing the world with confidence and clarity.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Vandergriendt C. What Are the Side Effects of Beta-Blockers? [Internet]. Healthline. 2020 [cited 2025 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-blockers-side-effects

Farzam K, Jan A. Beta Blockers [Internet]. StatPearls. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532906/