[Results of 1-year use of local pindolol in open-angle glaucoma].

In a randomized and controlled study (already published) the efficacy and safety of Pindolol eye drops 1% were compared with Timolol eye drops 0.5% in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma over a period of 6 months. With the exception of some allergic reactions there was no difference between the two with regard to IOP and the other parameters documented, such as pulse, blood pressure, visual acuity, refraction, diameter of pupils, tear production, visual field and biomicroscopic and ophthalmoscopic. In this article, the authors report on the results of prolongation of treatment in the 33 patients of the Pindolol group from month 7 to month 12 in an open-case study. The effect on IOP after 12 months was no different from that after month 6. There was no difference with regard to pulse and blood pressure, either. Four patients had to discontinue the treatment, in one case owing to drug-related side effects on the lids and conjunctiva. The other parameters documented (visual acuity, visual field, refraction, diameter of pupils, tear production, corneal sensitivity and biomicroscopic and ophthalmoscopic examination) revealed no difference between the first and the second 6 months. A diminution of the effect of the drug on the level and duration of IOP was ruled out.