Ibopamine Stimulates α-Adrenergic Receptors and D1 Dopaminergic Receptors in the Eye

Ibopamine stimulates α-adrenergic receptors and D1-dopaminergic receptors in the eye. Ibopamine is a dopamine analogue and it is hydrolysed to epinine by the esterases in the aqueous humor. Adrenergic stimulation determines the non-cycloplegic mydriatic effect, while the D1-dopaminergic activity is responsible for an increase in aqueous humor production. Ibopamine is effective as a mydriatic before and after surgical procedures. Its main uses are: provocative test in glaucoma; treatment of ocular hypotony; evaluation of the outflow pathways of the aqueous humor. Ibopamine test is positive in 92% of patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), while it is negative in healthy eyes. It is useful in relatives of glaucomatous patients.