Beta Blocker Eye Drops Related Airway Obstruction

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness among chest physicians, ophthalmologists and patients about use of eye drops with particular reference to beta blockers such as timolol as an agent of aggravating breathlessness in predisposed subjects. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: A survey of 20 chest physicians, 20 ophthalmologists and 200 patients suffering from obstructive airway disease was conducted in 2 hospitals and a welfare center of Karachi from August to September 1997. The results indicate that ophthalmologists showed more awareness than chest physicians regarding use of beta blocker eye drops by patients with obstructive airways disease [p = 0.004]. Patient awareness was low as well. There is a need to update doctors and educate general public about the side effects of beta blocker eye drops in patients with obstructive airway disease