The compounds of formula (I) are derived from perhydroquinoline and perhydroisoquinoline and are useful as active pharmaceutical ingredients for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases caused by 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-beta-HSD1) enzyme-associated disorders, such as glaucoma, elevated ocular pressure, metabolic disorders, obesity, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, Cushing's syndrome, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, cognitive disorders, Alzheimer's disease or neurodegeneration.