Timolol in childhood glaucoma

Abstract

In determining the role of timolol in the treatment of childhood glaucoma, the difficulties of conducting investigational studies in children and the possible delayed appearance of longterm side effects are real concerns. However, an equally important consideration is the fact that young children may face a lifetime of blindness from uncontrolled glaucoma. Timolol is not always successful in lowering intraocular pressure on a longterm basis in severe glaucoma, but it often does help in managing extremely difficult cases. In some respects, the results of using timolol in children are consistent with those achieved with severe adult glaucoma. Although experience with children under one year of age is still extremely limited, theoretical considerations would suggest that children might be particularly vulnerable to the known systemic side effects following local absorption, as well as to longterm side effects that are yet unknown.