Ocular Surface Evaluation After the Substitution of Benzalkonium Chloride Preserved Prostaglandin Eye Drops by a Preservative-free Prostaglandin Analogue.

Abstract

To evaluate ocular surface changes after withdrawal of Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in patients with glaucoma in monotherapy with BAK-preserved prostaglandin. This was a prospective observational study. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and evaluation of ocular surface. A questionnaire was filled regarding symptoms of dry eye (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]) at the beginning of study. The treatment was switched to preservative-free tafluprost for 6 weeks and after this period, all patients were re-evaluated. All patients reported improvement of symptoms. The green lissamine test showed a significant improvement of the ocular surface, with most patients classified as light dry eye (P < 0.001). A significant improvement in the score (P < 0.001) was also found, with an average of 17.95 ± 5.35 points, which classifies the patients' symptoms in the normal to light zone. Benzalkonium chloride withdrawal reduced the signs and symptoms of dry eye in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

• Authors: Nara Lidia Vieira Lopes, Carolina P B Gracitelli, Maria Regina Chalita, Nubia Vanessa Lima de Faria
• Journal: Medical hypothesis, discovery & innovation ophthalmology journal (Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol) Vol. 8 Issue 1 Pg. 52-56 ( 2019) ISSN: 2322-4436 [Print] United States
• PMID: 30923724 (Publication Type: Journal Article)