Study of intraocular pressure and ways to prevent its increase in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in long-term periods after phacoemulsification

Purpose. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a chronic, degenerative optic neuropathy, requires persistent decrease of intraocular pressure so as to prevent visual impairment and blindness. However, long-term use of topical ocular medications may affect ocular surface health. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of BAK-preserved prostaglandin analog treatment on the ocular surface health in patients with newly diagnosed POAG.Methods. 40 newly diagnosed POAG patients were included in this prospective study. Intraocular pressure (IOP), tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were assessed at baseline and 3-month after starting treatment with BAK-preserved travoprost 0.004%.Results. IOP decreased in all patients from baseline to 3-month final visit (23.80 ± 1.73 mmHg versus 16.78 ± 1.27 mmHg;P<0.001). Mean TBUT decreased from11.70±1.86seconds at baseline to 8.30 ± 1.29 seconds at 3-month final visit (<0.001). Mean OSDI score increased from 31.63 ± 18.48 to 44.41 ± 16.48 (P<0.001).Conclusions. This study showed that BAK-preserved travoprost 0.004% is an effective medication in newly diagnosed POAG patients, but its long-term use may negatively influence ocular surface health by disrupting the tear film stability. Further studies are needed to better understand the clinical effects of different preservative types and concentrations on the ocular surface.

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Long-Term Benefit of Reduced Intraocular Pressure in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients in Ethiopia

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/112067211002000209 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 310-315 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Abiye M. Alemu ◽

Caroline J. Kristoffersen ◽

Michael S. Kristoffersen ◽

Jeanette A. Stewart ◽

William C. Stewart

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ◽

Open Angle Glaucoma ◽

Open Angle ◽

Term Benefit

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Epidemiological Properties of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Nigeria

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2013/402739 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lawan Abdu

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ◽

Open Angle Glaucoma ◽

High Reliability ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Late Presentation ◽

Open Angle ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Eye Care

Background. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is progressive chronic optic neuropathy in adults in which intraocular pressure (IOP) and other currently unknown factors contribute to damage. POAG is the second commonest cause of avoidable blindness in Nigeria.Pattern of Presentation. POAG is characterized by late presentation. Absence of pain which is a driving force for seeking medical help, inadequacy of trained eye care personnel, paucity of facilities, misdistribution of resources, lack of awareness, poor education, and poverty may all contribute to this. Medical and surgical treatment options available are challenging and tasking.Screening for Glaucoma. Screening is the presumptive identification of unrecognized disease (POAG) by applying test(s) which can be applied rapidly. Such test(s) should be of high reliability, validity, yield, acceptable, and cost effective. The test should ideally be sensitive, specific, and efficient. It is difficult to select a suitable test that meets these criteria. Intraocular pressure (IOP) appears to be the easiest option. But, high IOP is not diagnostic nor does normal value exclude the disease. Health education is a possible strategy in early case detection and management.Treatment of POAG. Glaucoma treatment can either be medical or surgical (this includes laser). Considering unavailability, potency, cost, and long-term effects of medication, surgery (trabeculectomy) could be a better option. Laser trabeculoplasty is available in a few centers. Viscocanalostomy is not routinely performed. Patient education is vital to success as management is for life.Conclusion. POAG remains a cause of avoidable blindness in Nigeria. There is need for long-term strategy to identify patients early and institute prompt management. Improvement in training of eye care personnel and provision of up to date equipment is essential in achieving this goal.

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