[Effect of the beta-blockers timolol and pindolol on retinal hemodynamics--a videoangiography study]

In a randomized double-blind study the effect of locally applied pindolol 1% and timolol 0.5% on ocular hemodynamics was tested in 19 subjects. The method used was videoangiography, which permits a quantitative analysis of the arterial, capillary and venous phases of retinal circulation. In addition to videoangiography, the Blue Field Entoptoscope was used for a simultaneous quantitative study of retinal microcirculation. The investigation showed a statistically significant negative effect of both beta-blockers on nearly all retinal circulation times as well as on microcirculation in the macular area. It could not be shown that ISA (intrinsic sympathomimetic activity) prevents the negative effect of the beta-blockers on retinal hemodynamics.