Title: Evaluation of Ocular Surface Disease in Patients on Topical Antiglaucoma Drugs

Authors: Dr Rakshan Reyaz MBBS, Dr Asif Amin Vakil MS, Dr Syed Sadaf Altaf MS, Dr Sabia Rashid MS, Dr Ifrah Davood MBBS

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v10i10.21

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate Ocular Surface Disease in glaucoma patients using topical medications.

Material and Methods: A total of 108 eyes of 60 glaucoma patients who used topical antiglaucoma medications for a minimum period of 6 months were enrolled and followed up for a period of 1 year. Duration of therapy and drops/day were noted. Patients underwent complete ocular examination including Schirmer test, slit-lamp examination for tear film break-up time, and OSDI questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 11.84 yrs. Schirmer’s Test 1 at baseline had a mean value of 18.12 ± 6.98mm which decreased to a mean value of 13.40 ± 4.84mm at 1 year follow up. Schirmer’s Test 1 values worsened with increasing the number of daily drug instillations. Tearfilm Break Up Time (TBUT) had a baseline mean value of 16.01 ± 3.95 secs which decreased to a mean value of 13.06 ± 3.12 secs at 1 year follow up. TBUT values decreased with increasing the number of daily drops instilled. OSDI values increased with increasing the number of daily drops instilled.

Conclusion: OSD is common in treated glaucoma patients causing symptoms and signs that may hamper the patient’s quality of life. The symptoms worsen with increasing the number and frequency of drug instillation. The usage of preservative-free products, combination drug products, and concurrent use of lubricating eye drops may be helpful in alleviating the symptoms.

Keywords: Glaucoma, Ocular surface disease, OSDI, TBUT, Schirmers test.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Rakshan Reyaz

Postgraduate, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, J&K, India