[Beta-blocking treatment (author's transl)]

Twenty-six patients with open-angle glaucoma were investigated to see if and to what extent topical treatment with timolol 0.5% produced systemic effects. All of the patient had contraindications to the systemic use of beta-blockers such as bradycardia, cardiac insufficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In some patients the treatment had marked cardiovascular or pulmonary effects, especially in the group with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.