Abstract
Purpose :
Topical medication treatment has undeniable advantages and benefits to patients with either glaucoma or ocular hypertension. However, it also cause an increased risk over the ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) among glaucoma patients using topical IOP-lowering therapy and to determine the frequency of clinical findings in regards of OSDI score results.
Methods :
All consecutive patients visiting an specialized glaucoma center in Western Mexico using topical IOP-lowering drops were asked to answer OSDI questionnaire. All relevant information in their medical record was analyzed. Emphasis was placed on ocular surface data related to the diagnosis of DED and the duration of topical treatment.
Results :
A total of 438 patients (mean age of 61.49 ± 18.36 years; 287 female, 151 male) responded to the OSDI questionnaire. Of those, 336 (76.7%) had OSDI scores indicating mild to severe OSD. Among 193 patients (40%) an OSDI score indicating severe OSD was demonstrated. The severity of symptoms (OSDI score) correlates with the number of IOP medications used (r=0.64, P=0.002) and the duration of treatment (r=0.51, P=0.014). Fluorescein corneal staining was present in 67.69% (n=44) and 83.93% (n=162) in patients with moderate and severe OSDI results, respectively. Abnormal BUT results were present in 47.69% (n=31) and 62.17% (n=120) in patients with moderate and severe OSDI results, respectively. Depending on the selected definition of DED, prevalence of this condition in our population could range from 54.5% to 76.7%.
Conclusions :
This study confirms the high prevalence of DED in patients treated for glaucoma with topical IOP medications. The adverse effects of these agents and their preservatives can influence the compliance of glaucoma patients. DED related to glaucoma topical treatment seems to be related to the number of medicines and duration of treatment.
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This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.