Timolol 0.1% gel versus timolol 0.5% eyedrops in the prophylaxis of ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of timolol 0.1% gel in preventing increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after uncomplicated cataract surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized study were enrolled 70 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. After cataract surgery, 25 patients received a single instillation of timolol 0.1% gel (group A); 20 a single instillation of timolol 0.5% eyedrops (group B); and 25 no treatment (group C). The IOP was measured before surgery (T0) and 5 minutes (T1), 2 hours ± 30 minutes (T2), 4 hours ± 30 minutes (T3), and 24 hours ± 180 minutes after surgery (T4). RESULTS: The patients in groups A and B had lower mean IOP values than those in group C at T2, T3, and T4; IOP was higher at T2 and T3 than at T1 in the control group. The IOP spikes in group C were higher than those observed in groups A and B: at T2, they were observed in 40% of the patients in group A, 30% in group B, and 76% in group C; and at T3, in respectively 20%, 10%, and 68%; and at T4, in respectively 4%, 0%, and 28%. CONCLUSIONS: Timolol 0.1% gel is as effective as timolol 0.5% eyedrops in reducing IOP and in limiting the occurrence of IOP spikes for up to 24 hours after phacoemulsification.