Spirometry for patients prescribed topical beta-blockers
Aim To evaluate the effects of four glaucoma medications on the cardio-resplratory system.
Method All newly diagnosed glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma–POAG–or normal tension glaucoma) patients were recruited into a 12-month prospective audit.
Results The study has resulted in glaucoma patients having a spirometry lung function test before being prescribed beta-blocker eye drops. The results of this study demonstrate a high level of both systemic and ocular side-effects caused by these topical glaucoma medications.
Conclusion This study confirms the findings of previous studies, which have shown topical beta-blockers to be harmful to older people with glaucoma and ‘hidden’ reversible airways disease. It also shows the consequences of using topical beta-blockers on patients who have previously undiagnosed respiratory and cardiac disease.
