Glaucoma and dry eye disease: the role of preservatives in glaucoma medications
Abstract: Glaucoma is a common
cause of irreversible blindness with increasing prevalence. Some of glaucoma
patients will also experience dry eye. Dry eye is the most frequent side effect
related to benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-containing eye drop used for glaucoma patients. In addition,
glaucoma and dry eyes have shared risk factors that are old age and female. Dry
eye among glaucoma patients need to be treated promptly as it produces
discomfort, reduces patients’ compliance and
decreases success rate of glaucoma therapy. Dry eye symptoms can be
treated by applying preservative-free eye drop, giving combination of
preservative containing and preservative-free eye drop to reduce BAC exposure,
prescribing artificial tear and conducting surgery to minimize or eliminate the
need of topical medication.
Author: Ratna Sitompul, Rina
L.D. Nora
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg110217
