GLAUCOMA TREATMENT WITH TIMOLOL

Abstract

Eyes (32) from 19 patients with either capsular glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma or primary open angle glaucoma were given topical timolol and followed over 3-6 mo. Twelve eyes were previously out of control on full medication including pilocarpine, epinephrine and acetazolamide. Of these eyes 8 could be adequately controlled throughout the follow-up period on topical timolol or a combination of timolol and pilocarpine without resorting to acetazolamide. One eye needed acetazolamide in combination with timolol, and 3 eyes had to be referred to surgery. Twelve eyes were adequately controlled either on pilocarpine or full medication, but could be equally well controlled on timolol alone, or timolol and pilocarpine in combination. Acetazolamide could be withheld from all 6 patients who used this drug. Eight eyes were previously untreated. They could all be adequately controlled either on timolol (5 eyes) or timolol and pilocarpine (3 eyes). The effect of timolol 0.5% .times. 2 may be stronger than the combined effect of epinephrine 1% .times. 2 and acetazolamide 500 mg daily. Topical timolol was well-tolerated. No side reactions occurred and the pupillary size and reactions were not influenced by the timolol treatment.