Timolol and intra-ocular pressure elevation following neodymium: YAG laser surgery

The intra-ocular pressure in 76 patients, undergoing Neodymium: YAG laser surgery was measured just before treatment, and one and two hours afterwards. The fellow eye served as a control. Serious elevation of the intra-ocular pressure was demonstrated, especially in capsulotomy in the aphakic eye, to a lesser extent in pseudophakic eyes. Intra-ocular pressure elevation of more than 20 mm was seen in iridectomies. Timolol 1/2% eyedrops given before Neodymium: YAG laser treatment minimized the elevation of the intra-ocular pressure. Prolonged follow-up of the intra-ocular pressure is recommended.