DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES AND VASCULAR-DISEASE TREATED WITH TOPICAL TIMOLOL

Using high-resolution duplex scanning it is possible to evaluate the b lood flow velocity in the central retinal artery of the eye, Four diff erent patient groups were studied,vith this technique: normals, diabet ics with a decreased flow, diabetics with an increased flow and vascul ar patients with a decreased flow, The eyes of these patients were the n treated with topical timolol and the flow measured again. An increas e in the flow was found in three of the four groups, This increased fl ow velocity may be due to a vasodilatory effect of timolol. The result s are presented and discussed.