Comparative efficacy of the beta-blockers for the prevention of increased intraocular pressure after cataract extraction.

We conducted a randomized, double-masked study of intraocular pressure in 80 patients treated with betaxolol, levobunolol, timolol, or placebo after extracapsular cataract extraction. Intraocular pressures were measured preoperatively and early (four to seven hours) and late (20 to 24 hours) postoperatively. There was a significant mean increase in pressure from the preoperative period to the early postoperative period for the placebo group (5.35 mm Hg), betaxolol group (6.73 mm Hg), and the timolol group (3.83 mm Hg). However, the levobunolol group had a mean decrease in pressure (0.43 mm Hg). There was no significant difference between preoperative and late postoperative pressures for any of the groups. One-way analysis of covariance of the changes in pressure from the preoperative to early postoperative period showed a significant increase for the placebo and betaxolol groups compared to the levobunolol group, without significant difference between the levobunolol and timolol groups. Overall, levobunolol proved most effective in preventing an increase in intraocular pressure after extracapsular cataract extraction; timolol was partially effective.