The invention provides an aqueous ophthalmic composition, containing a beta blocker such as timolol, carteolol or the like, and a sugar alcohol such as mannitol, sorbitol or the like, optionally together with boric acid. The composition of the invention can improve the corneal permeability of a drug, so that the dose of the drug can be lowered, for example by decreasing the frequency of application to the eyes. It is therefore expected that the risk of systemic side effects which may be induced by the application of the beta blocker to the eyes, including cardiotoxicity or respiratory toxicity can be reduced. The decrease in the frequency of application of ophthalmic solution can favorably improve the QOL and prevent the decrease of therapeutic effect which may be caused by missing the application to the eyes.
