TIMOLOL MALEATE IN TREATMENT OF OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Abstract

The effect of timolol maleate on the intraocular pressure in open angle glaucoma was studied in 37 patients, of these simple glaucoma in 26 (48 eyes), capsular glaucoma in 9 (14 eyes) and chronic secondary glaucoma in 2 patients (2 eyes). These cases constituted a group which was relatively difficult to manage. The average pressure reduction caused by timolol maleate alone was .apprxeq. 23%. In 18 patients intraocular pressure was adequately controlled on timolol as the only drug and in 10 on additional drug therapy. Drug treatment failed in 5 patients; the remaining 4 failed on 1 eye while the other eye was regulated. Tonography indicates that the effect is caused by a reduction of the aqueous humour production. Side effects of locally applied timolol maleate were not seen. This drug may be the drug of choice in many instances.