Tear clearance and ocular symptoms in patients treated with preservative-free prostaglandins

• Published in: Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (English ed.) 2013-03, Vol.88 (3), p.88-91
• Main Authors: Giménez-Gómez, R, García-Catalán, M.R, Gallardo-Galera, J.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aclaramiento; Clearance; Conservantes; Ophthalmology; Preservatives; Prostaglandinas; Prostaglandins; Tafluprost; Tear function index; Índice de función lagrimal
• ISSN: 2173-5794; 2173-5794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2012.06.005

Abstract Objectives To assess the effects of switching from a prostaglandin with a preservative to a preservative-free prostaglandin on dry eye symptoms and tear dynamics. Material and methods Fourteen patients ( N = 28 eyes) with open-angle glaucoma and dry eye symptoms, treated with preserved latanoprost, travoprost or bimatoprost were included in this uncontrolled prospective study. Ocular symptoms were analyzed using a validated ocular surface disease questionnaire and ocular signs were assessed with tear clearance, Schirmer and tear function index test (TFI = Schirmer/clearance). Patients were assigned to preservative-free tafluprost treatment, and measurements were repeated 4 weeks after change of medication. Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used in the statistical analysis. Results No statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) was observed after switching to tafluprost. Mean IOP at baseline was 20.4 mmHg (SD 2.2) and after 4 weeks 19.9 mmHg (SD 2.6) ( p > 0.05). The mean questionnaire score significantly decreased from 9.7 (SD 3.7) at baseline to 5.4 (SD 2.7) after one month ( p < 0.001). No significant differences in tear clearance, Schirmer or TFI were found ( p > 0.05). At baseline, it was found that tear clearance = 0.13 (SD 0.07), Schirmer = 10.7 mm (SD 6) and TFI = 80 (48–156), while after 4 weeks, it was found that tear clearance = 0.1 (SD 0.07), Schirmer = 9.5 mm (3.9) and TFI = 104 (48–216). A significant association between questionnaire score and tear clearance after 4 weeks was observed (Spearman coefficient = 0.62; p = 0.014). Conclusions Switching from preservative prostaglandin with a preservative to preservative-free tafluprost treatment improves dry eye symptoms and suggests an improvement in TFI.