[Experiences with timolol in treatment of glaucoma (author's transl)]

Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that produces a significant decrease in intraocular pressure. Timolol ophthalmic solution 0,25% and 0,5% was compared to pilocarpine 1%, 2% and 4% in a randomized, double-masked study involving 40 patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Each patient was followed for 6 months. Timolol lowered the 1OP 30% compared to the pretreatment pressure, Pilocarpine 20%. Timolol was well tolerated in general, but 3 patients showed a superficial keratopathy. 30 other glaucoma patients with previously unsufficient pressure control received Timolol alone or in combination with a topical cholinergic agent or/and a systematic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The results are presented in detail.