Effect of dacryocystorhinostomy on systemic adverse effects of topical timolol maleate

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether transformation of the naso-lacrimal passage as happens after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) operation has any effect on the systemic adverse effects of topically administered timolol maleate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty otherwise healthy adult patients without any prior history of cardiac or pulmonary problems scheduled for elective DCR surgery received a drop of timolol maleate 0.5% on the healthy eye. This eye served as a control. Six weeks after successful DCR surgery, the operated eye received the same medication. Parameters compared included intraocular pressure (IOP), pulse rate, blood pressure and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) findings. OBSERVATIONS: Post DCR patients showed an increased incidence of reduced pulse rate and FEV1. CONCLUSION: Timolol maleate ophthalmic preparation should be used with caution in post-DCR patients.