Effects of topical antiglaucoma application on conjunctival impression cytology specimens.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the changes in conjunctival impression cytology specimens from patients receiving various topical antiglaucoma medications.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparative study.


METHODS
Impression cytology specimens were obtained from the eyes taking no topical medication (n = 20) and from the eyes taking various antiglaucoma medications (timolol n = 34; latanoprost n = 40; dorzolamide n = 32; timolol + latanoprost n = 30; timolol + dorzolamide n = 34). Specimens were graded on a scale of zero to three according to Nelson's method.


RESULTS
Cytology scores were significantly higher in the medication group than the control group. Mean cytology scores of the control, timolol, latanoprost, dorzolamide, timolol + latanoprost, and timolol + dorzolamide group were 0.20, 1.62, 2.00, 1.75, 2.13, and 2.44, respectively. Among the medication groups, cytology scores were significantly lower in the monotherapy group than the fixed-combination therapy group.


CONCLUSIONS
Various topical antiglaucoma medications induce a significant degree of squamous metaplasia. Conjunctival surface could be altered after the long-term use of antiglaucoma medication.
Hong
Samin
S
Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Christopher Seungkyu
CS
Seo
Kyoung Yul
KY
Seong
Gong Je
GJ
Hong
Young Jae
YJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000469:parasitology; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008679:Metaplasia; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013876:Thiophenes; D000077338:Latanoprost; D013999:Timolol; C062765:dorzolamide