Effects of antiglaucoma drugs on ocular surface.
Topical medications have a very important role in chronic glaucoma treatment. Long-term use of these medications can cause significant changes on ocular surfaces. In this study, the ocular surfaces of 20 control subjects (group I), 20 primary open-angle glaucoma patients (group II) treated (mean 21.20 +/- 1.32 months) with 0.50% timolol maleate, and 20 primary open-angle glaucoma patients (group III) treated (mean 21.70 +/- 1.34 months) with 0.50% timolol maleate + 1% dipivefrin hydrochloride were evaluated. Studied parameters included Schirmer's test, tear break-up time, conjunctiva impression cytology and goblet cell density. These results suggest that long-term applications of topical anti glaucoma medications damage the ocular surface.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000322:Adrenergic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002452:Cell Count; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013999:Timolol; C015173:dipivefrin; D004837:Epinephrine