Timolol. A beta-adrenergic blocking agent for the treatment of glaucoma
T. J. Zimmerman and H. E. Kaufman
Timolol maleate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, was studied in 30
patients with glaucoma. Significant intraocular pressure lowering was
achieved with 0.5% and 1.5% solution of the drug. At seven hours following
treatment, the IOP was lowered 50% from the pretreatment pressure with both
strengths of timolol. There were no subjective or objective ocular or
systemic side effects detected. Visual acuity and pupil response were
unchanged from pretreatment levels throughout the study. beta-Adrenergic
blocking agents and specifically timolol may be an important breakthrough
for the medical management of glaucoma.
