The ocular hypotensive effect of timolol in long-term treatment of glaucoma. A 4 year study

The ocular hypotensive action of timolol used alone and in combination with other antiglaucoma drugs was studied in 33 patients with glaucoma, 19 glaucoma suspects and 12 patients with ocular hypertension in a treatment period of 4 years. During the 2nd-4th year the mean IOP increased 8-10% (P less than 0.05) in both glaucoma patients and patients with ocular hypertension or suspected glaucoma. The success rate on timolol alone (a persistent IOP less than 20 mmHg) was 43.6% in patients with manifest glaucoma. In 18% of the patients an aggravation of pre-existing visual field lesion or new visual lesions developed. Nine patients (14%) - 3 on timolol alone and 6 on additional treatment regime - had to be operated due to definite insufficiency of pressure reduction.