Title of article
Ocular Surface Evaluation After the Substitution of Benzalkonium Chloride Preserved Prostaglandin Eye Drops by a Preservative-free Prostaglandin Analogue
Author/Authors
LOPES, Nara Lidia Vieira Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science - Glaucoma Service - Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil , GRACITELLI, Carolina P. B Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science - Glaucoma Service - Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil , CHALITA, Maria Regina Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science - Glaucoma Service - Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil , Lima de FARIA , Nubia Vanessa Department of Ophthalmology - Federal University of Brasilia, Brazil
Pages
5
From page
52
To page
56
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).
Keywords
Glaucoma , Ocular Surface , Preservative-free Prostaglandin , Benzalkonium chloride
Journal title
Medical Hypothesis, Discovery & Innovation Ophthalmology
Serial Year
2019
Record number
2500604
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