General Health

This treatment must be continued for life.

Sometimes those with glaucoma have an increase in the pressure on going to the cinema and sitting in the dark for several hours. Because of the dark, the pupil attempts to dilate to let in more light. This may bunch the iris into the corner and obstruct the outflow of fluid. An extra drop of pilocarpine before visiting the cinema can overcome this.

A new drug timolol, which belongs to the class of beta-blockers used mainly to control high blood pressure and some heart conditions, has recently become available as drops for use in most types of glaucoma.

Some patients who previously would have required an operation for their glaucoma can now avoid this by the use of timolol. However, an operation may still be necessary for some whose pressure is not controlled by local medical treatment.

*381/71/1*

General health