title: Glaucoma therapy and ocular surface disease: current literature and recommendations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an update on clinical and experimental literature for ocular surface effects of glaucoma therapy and to provide practical guidelines for ophthalmologists treating glaucoma patients with ocular surface disease (OSD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preservatives, notably benzalkonium chloride (BAK), continue to contribute to OSD and demonstrate a variety of toxic ocular effects both in-vitro, and in animal/human studies. Recent literature frequently compares BAK with Polyquad, SofZia, and preservative-free therapies. Some clinical benefit has been demonstrated with newer BAK-free alternatives.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BAK-free and preservative-free therapies are becoming available but are not always a feasible alternative. It is important to recognize different clinical manifestations of allergy and chronic inflammation and to discuss options for patients experiencing OSD.
authors.affiliation: Miami Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Zane
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Anwar
authors.forename: Sarah R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Wellik
authors.forename: Anat
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galor
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical