Timolol in operated closed-angle glaucoma.

Abstract

Tonometry in 9 eyes (7 patients) provides some evidence that timolol eye drops are useful in improving control of pressure in eyes operated for closed-angle glaucoma. In cases 1 and 2 (Figs, 1 and 2) this beta 1 and 2 blocker reduced pressure consistently. Case 3 (Fig. 3) showed that timolol 0.5% twice daily was as effective as pilocarpine 2% or 4% with adrenaline 1%. The effect of timolol 0.5% in case 4 (Fig. 4) and case 6 (Fig. 6) was additive to pilocarpine and adrenaline; in case 5 (Fig. 5) it probably improved the effect of adrenaline, but in cases 4 and 5 there may have been some loss of effect with time. Case 7 (Fig. 7) showed a good effect of timolol, reversed on withdrawal, but pressure fell again in spite of continued withholding of timolol. Timolol will be especially valuable in the control of pressure if an operation involving iridectomy has not been completely successful in open-angle glaucoma or more especially in closed-angle glaucoma because it has no effect on the pupil. Miotics will tend to produce posterior pupillary synechiae because aqueous humour will go through the iridectomy, not under the edge of the pupil. The danger will be greater in eyes with closed-angle glaucoma because the pupil is closely applied to the anterior lens surface, which will also tend to produce irritative iridocyclitis.