J P Snape1, A Waldock. 1. Ophthalmic Outpatients Department, Torbay Hospital, Andrew Waldock, MD, USA.
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the effects of four glaucoma medications on the cardio-respiratory system. METHOD: All newly diagnosed glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma--POAG--or normal tension glaucoma) patients were recruited into a 12-month prospective audit. RESULTS: The study has resulted in glaucoma patients having a spirometry lung function test before being prescribed beta-blocker eye drops. The results of this study demonstrate a high level of both systemic and ocular side-effects caused by these topical glaucoma medications. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the findings of previous studies, which have shown topical beta-blockers to be harmful to older people with glaucoma and 'hidden' reversible airways disease. It also shows the consequences of using topical beta-blockers on patients who have previously undiagnosed respiratory and cardiac disease.
AIM: To evaluate the effects of four glaucoma medications on the cardio-respiratory system. METHOD: All newly diagnosed glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma--POAG--or normal tension glaucoma) patients were recruited into a 12-month prospective audit. RESULTS: The study has resulted in glaucomapatients having a spirometry lung function test before being prescribed beta-blocker eye drops. The results of this study demonstrate a high level of both systemic and ocular side-effects caused by these topical glaucoma medications. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the findings of previous studies, which have shown topical beta-blockers to be harmful to older people with glaucoma and 'hidden' reversible airways disease. It also shows the consequences of using topical beta-blockers on patients who have previously undiagnosed respiratory and cardiac disease.