The effects of timolol on cataract extraction and intraocular pressure

We studied the effect of timolol on post-operative intraocular pressures (IOPs) in a control and experimental group of 30 eyes, each in patients who had uncomplicated intracapsular cataract extractions, most with iris clip lenses. Closure of the eye in each case was with three 6-0 silk sutures preplaced in a morticed incision. Six control eyes had IOP increases of 6 mm Hg or more within 24 hours of surgery. One patient treated with timolol had an IOP increase of 6 mm Hg or more. The differences in IOP between the control and experimental groups were statistically significant at the .01 level. The pressure lowering ability of timolol appears to be prophylactic as well as therapeutic. It is well suited for pseudophakic eyes as pressure reduction is not associated with pupillary alterations.