Incidence Of Ocular Surface Disease Among Patients On Anti-galucoma Drops

Gowri Supramaniam, Azida Juana, N Ramli, Z Mimiwati, MM Choo

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Malaya Medical Centre

Purpose: To analyze the incidence and types of ocular surface disease among patients on anti-glaucoma drops

Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at University of Malaya eye clinic. Patients aged 45 years and above diagnosed as glaucoma on antiglaucoma drops were included into the study. Ocular examination included visual acuity, eyelid assessment for presence of blepharitis and meibomianitis, Schirmer's 1 test and tear film break-up time (TBUT). Patients later answer a 12-item validated questionnaire designed to provide a rapid assessment of symptoms of ocular irritation consistent with dry eye disease and their impact on vision-related functioning. Results of these questionnaires were used to calculate the Ocular Surface Index (OSDI) score which categorizes severity of the symptoms of dry eye to normal, mild, moderate and severe.

Results: A total of 74 patients on antiglaucoma drops were included in the study. Based on the OSDI score 31.1% of patients had mild dry eye and another 31.1% had moderate dry eye. 66.2% of patients had Schirmer's of more than 10mm in five minutes. 54.1% of patients had TBUT of less than 5 seconds. 10.8% of patients had lid disorders which consisted of blepharitis and meibomianitis.

Conclusion: More than 50% of patients on anti-glaucoma drops suffered from symptomatic dry eye and clinical evidence of meibomian gland dysfunction.