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Short term effects of timolol in chronic glaucoma. A double blind study using computerized perimetry
Acta Ophthalmologica
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Timolol eye drops significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) and pulse rate in glaucoma patients. However, visual field defects did not improve, suggesting IOP reduction alone may not restore vision in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma progression.
- Timolol is a common beta-blocker used to lower IOP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of timolol on IOP, pulse rate, and visual field performance in patients with glaucomatous field defects.
- To investigate the correlation between IOP and visual field status after timolol treatment.
Main Methods:
- 15 patients with glaucomatous field defects underwent computerized perimetry, IOP, blood pressure, and pulse rate measurements.
- Measurements were taken before and 2 hours after instilling timolol or placebo in both eyes.
Main Results:
- Timolol significantly decreased IOP and pulse rate 2 hours post-instillation.
- No significant improvement in visual field defects was observed.
- A positive, though not statistically significant, correlation was found between IOP and visual field performance.
Conclusions:
- Timolol effectively lowers IOP and pulse rate in glaucoma patients.
- The observed IOP reduction did not lead to visual field improvement.
- Lack of visual field improvement was not attributable to the decrease in pulse rate.