Symposium on Therapy: Complications and Management

Cardiovascular Renal agents as they Impinge on Ophthalmic Practice

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minn.

Of the large number of drugs which come under the classification of cardiovascular renal agents, only a few, the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and the osmotic diuretics, have general usefulness in ophthalmic practice. However, a good portion of the patients the ophthalmologist may be treating may be taking other cardiovascular renal drugs for other physical ailments. The drugs of this group most likely to be encountered are the antiarterial hypertensives, the cardiac glycosides, and the various diuretics. Ophthalmologists must recognize the mode of action and side effects of these drugs, and the added toxicity which may be induced by the therapy which he applies.