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Effect of timolol on central corneal thickness
Matthias Grueb1, Jens Martin Rohrbach
1University of Tuebingen, Department of Ophthalmology, Tuebingen - Germany. matthias.grueb@web.de
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 28, 2013
Summary
Timolol eyedrops temporarily increase central corneal thickness (CCT) and epithelial thickness in healthy subjects. These reversible changes are unlikely to affect glaucoma treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Timolol is a widely used glaucoma medication.
- Corneal uptake and -adrenergic receptors are known, but clinical impact on central corneal thickness (CCT) is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical impact of topical timolol 0.5% on central corneal thickness (CCT) in healthy subjects.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, prospective, randomized study involving 20 healthy subjects.
- Measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) and CCT before and during 28 days of timolol 0.5% eyedrop administration.
Main Results:
- Timolol 0.5% reduced IOP but reversibly increased CCT, epithelial thickness, and stromal thickness within 9 days.
- These corneal changes returned to baseline values by day 28.
- Endothelial thickness remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Topical timolol 0.5% causes a reversible increase in CCT.
- The observed changes in CCT are modest and unlikely to impact tonometry or clinical decisions in glaucoma management.
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