Additive intraocular pressure reducing effect of topical timolol during systemic beta-blockade.

The effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of topical timolol was studied in 30 patients with arterial hypertension treated with oral alprenolol, metoprolol or timolol. No patient had any known eye disorder. Topical administration of timolol induced a significant reduction of IOP regardless if the patients had systemic beta-blockade or not. Treatment with topical timolol alone was equally effective in reducing IOP as combined topical and oral therapy. Patient compliance was checked with plasma concentrations of the different beta-blockers.