muramidase and Glaucoma--Open-Angle

Determination of tear lysozyme, alfa-1-antitrypsin and serum albumin was performed in the tear fluid of 24 glaucoma patients on maintenance treatment with timolol. In 7 patients with symptoms of dry eye decreased levels of tear lysozyme and increased levels of alfa-1-antitrypsin and serum albumin were disclosed in contrast to 17 timolol treated patients without dry eyes and to healthy controls. The timolol treated patients with ocular dryness also showed hyperosmolality of tear fluid, abnormal corneal staining with rose bengal and decreased break-up time and Schirmer-I-test. It is concluded that decreased concentration of tear lysozyme in glaucoma patients on topical treatment with timolol may indicate some impairment of the tear gland function provoked by the treatment.

Topics: Aged; alpha 1-Antitrypsin; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Serum Albumin; Tears; Timolol; Xerophthalmia

Thirty-two patients with raised intraocular pressure were treated for 1 year with topical timolol 0.5% twice daily. There was satisfactory pressure reduction on this drug alone in 25 patients. The tear flow (modified Schirmer I test) was measured, and the tear lysozyme concentration was assayed before, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after beginning treatment. No subjective symptoms occurred and no side effects were recorded. The tear flow and tear lysozyme concentration were not significantly reduced.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Lacrimal Apparatus; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Propanolamines; Tears; Timolol