[Betaxolol for prevention of steroid induced intraocular pressure elevations in patients after radial keratotomy].

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of 0.25% betaxolol (Betoptic S) in the normal myopia eye, on steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations in patients undergoing radial keratotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Radial keratotomy was performed on 27 patients (43 eyes). All these patients during the period of 3 months after surgery were treated with 0.1% dexamethasone drops in decreasing doses and 0.25% betaxolol (Betoptic S) drops twice a day. Ophthalmic examination and IOP measurements were made on 1, 2, 3, 14, 30, 60 day after operation.

RESULTS

During 3 months of postoperative period 27.9% of eyes had IOP exceeding 25 mm Hg, or had an increase of IOP of 10 mm Hg or more.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study and the study published by the author previously lead to conclusion, that 0.25% betaxolol (Betoptic S) in the normal myopia eye, decreases the risk of steroid-induced IOP elevation in patients after radial keratotomy, but does not prevent it.