Prevalence of Ocular Surface Disorder and Dry Eye in Patients with Glaucoma using Topical Antiglaucoma Medications

Background: The main aim of the study is to establish the prevalence of ocular surface disorders in glaucoma patients treated with topical antiglaucoma medications. Methods: Investigation of 50 eyes of 25 patients has been performed using two or more antiglaucoma medications for six months, and compared with 50 eyes of 25 normal subjects without any ocular problem. After one year each patient was evaluated by Schirmer’s (SCH) test-I Tear break-up time (TBUT), Corneal staining score. Results: The mean values in the glaucoma cases and control groups respectively were as follows: Schirmer’s test-1 (7.63 ± 2.64mm / 12.86 ± 1.93mm; p= 0.001), Tear breakup time (9.44 2 ±.76 sec / 11.8 ± 1.88 sec; p=0.001), Corneal staining score (5.7 ± 2.33 /1.1 ± 0.58; p=0.001). Conclusion: Patients on antiglaucoma therapy have a greater prevalence of ocular surface disease and dry eye. The causative factors were medications with preservatives and longer treatment duration. Keywords: Antiglaucoma medication, dry eye, ocular surface diseases (OSD), Schirmer’s (SCH) test, Tear breakup time, Corneal staining score.