Effect of various topical anti glaucoma drugs on cardiopulmonary system. A prospective study

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of various topical antiglaucoma drugs. Material & method: In this study, forty consecutive cases of newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma were recruited. After taking a detailed history, an ophthalmological examination and a systemic examination including resting pulse rate, blood pressure, ECG, auscultation of the chest and spirometry were performed. Then the patients were randomly divided into four groups and one of the four topical anti glaucoma medication (Timolol, Latanoprost, Brimonidine, and Dorzolamide) prescribed. Patients were reviewed 4 weeks later and the same ocular and systemic examinations were performed. Result: Timolol therapy reduced all the spirometry parameters that are statistically significant difference with the P value of less than 0.1. Timolol therapy resulted in the mean reduction of pulse rate by 3.2 beats/ minute and a mean reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5.8 mmHg and 5.6 mmHg, respectively all the spirometry & cardiovascular parameters remained unchanged in the other three groups after 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Timolol significantly affects the cardiopulmonary status. Therefore, we could advice the assessment of cardiopulmonary status mandatory in patients receiving topical beta-blockers. Bronchospasm may be of clinical significance in the elderly, who commonly have undiagnosed reversible airway obstruction.