This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Timolol application may treat post-LASIK myopic regression
Spherical equivalent improved following the application of timolol in eyes with myopic regression after LASIK, with effects lasting at least 6 months after treatment discontinuation, according to a study.
“Although the refractive effect of this treatment is mild (mean difference of 0.62 D at month 12), it should be tried soon after the surgeon observes any signs of regression, as patients who develop myopic regression closer to the time of surgery are more responsive to this type of treatment,” the study authors said.
The prospective, randomized, parallel-controlled, double-masked clinical trial included 90 eyes of 90 patients with myopic regression after LASIK. Half of the study participants received timolol 0.5% eye drops and half received artificial tears for 6 months.
Follow-up was conducted at 3 and 6 months during treatment and at 6 months after treatment ended.
In the timolol group, spherical equivalent improved from −1.48 ± 0.99 D before treatment to −0.88 ± 0.91 D after 6 months of treatment and −0.86 ± 0.93 D at 6 months after timolol discontinuation (P < .001).
In the artificial tears group, spherical equivalent was −1.57 ± 0.67 D before treatment and −1.83 ± 0.76 D after 6 months of treatment and −1.91 ± 0.70 D at 6 months after treatment ended (P < .001).
Spherical equivalent improved significantly in the timolol group at 6 months of treatment and at 6 months after timolol discontinuation (both P < .001).