Effect of acetazoleamide on the dark-adaptation function in glaucoma.

Abstract

It is well recognized that the light sense suffers in cases of chronic glaucoma.12Investigators as long as 30 years ago showed that the light minimum was considerably raised and the dark-adaptation rate retarded in cases of simple glaucoma.11 The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazoleamide (Diamox) has recently found widespread acceptance among ophthalmologists as a new antiglaucoma agent. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of acetazoleamide has a detrimental effect on the dark-adapting function of the eye suffering from glaucoma. Method and Material The experiment consisted of periodically determining dark-adaptation curves of six glaucoma patients, all of whom were using pilocarpine therapeutically. Once a satisfactory base line curve was obtained, acetazoleamide administration was begun and was continued for varying periods of time and with varying dosages. The accompanying graphs are self-explanatory. It should be pointed out, however, that the points plotted under 0 weeks