Timolol gel versus acetazolamide in the prophylaxis of ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification.
OBJECTIVE
To compare postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after administration of acetazolamide and timolol following phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.


METHODS
Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Rockville Centre, New York, USA.


METHODS
Sixty patients were included in a prospective, randomized, masked trial. The patients received either two doses of oral, sustained-release acetazolamide (Diamox Sequels) or a single dose of topical timolol 0.5% gel (Timoptic XE). Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry preoperatively and 1 day postoperatively.


RESULTS
Mean preoperative IOP was 16.4 mm Hg. One day postoperatively, it was 19.5 mm Hg in the oral acetazolamide group and 15.9 mm Hg in the timolol gel group. One patient in the acetazolamide group developed significant adverse reactions.


CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic use of topical timolol 0.5% gel for viscoelastic-induced ocular hypertension after cataract extraction appears to offer better IOP control than oral acetazolamide and has potentially fewer adverse systemic effects.
Kanellopoulos
A J
AJ
Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn 11203, USA.
Perry
H D
HD
Donnenfeld
E D
ED
D000086:Acetazolamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005782:Gels; D013999:Timolol; D000086:Acetazolamide