TIMOLOL GEL VERSUS ACETAZOLAMIDE IN THE PROPHYLAXIS OF OCULAR HYPERTENSION AFTER PHACOEMULSIFICATION

Purpose: To compare postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after adm inistration of acetazolamide and timolol following phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Setting: Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Rockville Centre, New York, USA. Methods: Sixty patients were included in a prospective, randomized, masked trial. The patient s received either two doses of oral, sustained-release acetazolamide ( Diamox(R) Sequels(R)) or a single dose of topical timolol 0.5% gel (Ti moptic XE(R)). Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanati on tonometry preoperatively and 1 day postoperatively. Results: Mean p reoperative IOP was 16.4 mm Hg. One day postoperatively, it was 19.5 m m Hg in the oral acetazolamide group and 15.9 mm Hg in the timolol gel group. One patient in the acetazolamide group developed significant a dverse reactions. Conclusion: Prophylactic use of topical timolol 0.5% gel for viscoelastic-induced ocular hypertension after cataract extra ction appears to offer better IOP control than oral acetazolamide and has potentially fewer adverse systemic effects.