Timolol maleate 0.5% versus timolol maleate in gel forming solution 0.5% (Timolol GFS) in open angle glaucoma in India. Preliminary safety and efficacy study.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety profile of Timolol maleate 0.5% versus Timolol gel forming solution (GFS) 0.5% in open angle glaucoma in Indian eyes. METHODS: In a prospective crossover study 52 patients of open angle glaucoma, well controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) on 0.5% timolol maleate solution were switched over to timolol GFS once a day, after a washout period of one month. A diurnal IOP measurement was done after 6 weeks and compared with patients on timolol maleate 0.5% twice a day. In addition, side effects reported or observed were compared. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not observed in ocular hypotensive effect of the two treatment. The side-effects in both the treatment groups were similar except for higher incidence of blurring of vision in patients on timolol GFS. The compliance was better with timolol GFS, but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the more convenient 0.5% timolol in gel forming solution can be offered as an equally efficacious and well-tolerated alternative to twice daily 0.5% timolol solution in open angle glaucoma.