Prevalence of ocular surface disease in patients with glaucoma on topical medications

Aim: To compare the prevalence of ocular surface disease (OSD) in patients using antiglaucoma medications vs normal subjects. Design: Prospective observational study. Method: A total of 94 patients with glaucoma on topical medications were included in the study group. Age-and gender-matched normal subjects (n = 94) formed the control group. They were assessed for OSD using ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), Lissamine green staining, and Schirmer’s test. Results: The prevalence of OSD was significantly more in the study group (72.4%) when compared to controls (44.6%) using the OSDI questionnaire. Schirmer’s test showed 84% patients had decreased tear production in the study group vs 53% in controls. TBUT was abnormal in 67.1% of the study group and of 47.8% controls. Lissamine green staining was positive in 36.2% of patients in the study group and 31.8% of controls. Conclusion: OSD was more common in patients using intraocular pressure (IOP)-low-ering drugs than in controls. Long-term therapy and multiple medications were associated with severe OSD.