Spirometry for patients prescribed topical beta-blockers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of four glaucoma medications on the cardio-respiratory system.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Snape
J P
JP
Ophthalmic Outpatients Department, Torbay Hospital, Andrew Waldock, MD, USA.
Waldock
A
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015784:Betaxolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D000077338:Latanoprost; D013999:Timolol; D015784:Betaxolol