What finding would indicate that timolol has been effective in a patient with glaucoma after 4 weeks of treatment?

The effectiveness of timolol, a non-selective beta-blocker commonly prescribed for glaucoma, is primarily assessed by measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). In glaucoma management, the goal is to lower IOP, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the optic nerve and preserving vision.

After four weeks of treatment with timolol, a significant reduction in IOP, bringing it into the normal range, indicates that the medication is effectively controlling the pressure within the eye. A normal IOP suggests that the treatment is working and that the risk of further complications associated with glaucoma may be mitigated.

While other findings, such as resolution of eye infections or symptoms like tearing and discharge, may be significant in the overall assessment of eye health, they are not directly related to the efficacy of timolol in treating glaucoma. Similarly, clouding of the lens is typically indicative of cataract formation, which is a separate condition from glaucoma and does not reflect the effectiveness of pressure-lowering treatments. Thus, the primary indicator of treatment success with timolol is the normalization of intraocular pressure.