Effects of D-timolol and L-timolol on ocular blood flow and intraocular pressure.

Effects of D-timolol and L-timolol on IOP were compared with two rabbit models. When the drug solution was injected into vortex vein, 1% D-timolol produced ocular hypotension just like 0.5% L-timolol except D-timolol was less potent than L-timolol to lower the IOP. On the other hand, when 0.5% of D-timolol and L-timolol were instilled into the rabbit eye on IOP recovery model both agents showed equipotency to delayed the IOP recovery. Effects of D-timolol and L-timolol on ocular blood flow were also studied with two rabbit models. D-Timolol at 0.5% did not affect the ocular pulsatile blood flow measured with Langham's pneumatonometer whereas 0.5% L-timolol significantly suppressed it. D-Timolol (0.5%) was found to increase retinal and choroidal blood flows measured with laser Doppler method whereas L-timolol suppressed it. These results indicate that D-timolol though less potent than L-timolol to lower IOP, is superior over L-timolol to improve the blood flow in retina and choroid.