Cataracts and beta blockers

[Finvola]

A few days ago someone asked about beta blockers making cataracts worse and I said I would ask today when I saw a consultant regarding cataract surgery.

He said that beta blockers do not cause or worsen cataracts but they can dry the eyes - something I didn’t know.

Rosemaryb1349

[Dawsonmackay]

That was in response to another questions but I stated that: In 2007, I had a bad episode of hives and was put on prednisone. A year later, I had a cataract in the left eye and had cataract surgery. Since 2007, I have been taking metropolol and been having my eyes checked regularly - no cataracts.

[TamlaMotown]

Thanks for reassuring us on that matter Finvola. One less thing to worry about at least. I did know about the dry eyes as I suffer from them.

[Rosemaryb1349]

Thanks for that information, it is much appreciated. I believe the original source on Google was an Australian study from 2009 so is probably well out of date.

[Tako2009]

Aah. I hadn’t thought my cataracts were caused by any medication but in recent years I have been troubled by dry eyes - something else to blame on bisoprolol I think!

I’ve just had my 6-week sign off for my first cataract and was told I would get an appointment for my second eye to be done soon I’m guessing it may be a while to wait now ......

Liz