Adverse effects of topical antiglaucoma drugs on the ocular surface

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the effect of long-term antig laucoma topical medication on the ocular surface; measuring basal Schirmer' s and tear break-up time tests using conjunctival impression cytology. Methods: The ocular surfaces of 30 control subjects (group 1), 24 primary o pen-angle glaucoma patients treated with 0.5% betaxolol hydrochloride (grou p 2), 27 primary open-angle glaucoma patients treated with 0.5% timolol mal eate (group 3) and 26 primary open-angle glaucoma patients treated with 0.5 % betaxolol and 1% dipivefrin hydrochloride (group 4) were evaluated. Basal Schirmer's and tear break-up time tests were measured and ocular surface c hanges were determined by impression cytology. Impression cytology specimen s of each group were graded and scored in the range 0-3 according to Nelson 's method. Results: Patients in groups 2, 3 and 4 showed statistically significant few er normal basal Schirmer's tests (wettability) and tear break-up time tests (P < 0.01). Also, the conjunctival impression cytology scores were signifi cantly higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1 (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The conclusion was that it is possible that conjunctival surfa ce and tear film function change after the long-term use of antiglaucoma me dication.