Effects of antiglaucoma drugs on ocular surface

ABSTRACT Topical medications have a very important role in chronic glaucoma treatment. Long‐term use of these medications can cause significant changes on ocular surfaces. In this study, the ocular surfaces of 20 control subjects (group I), 20 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients (group II) treated (mean 21.20 ± 1.32 months) with 0.50% timolol maleate, and 20 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients (group III) treated (mean 21.70 ± 1.34 months) with 0.50% timolol maleate +1% dipivefrin hydrochloride were evaluated. Studied parameters included Schirmer's test, tear break‐up time, conjunctiva impression cytology and goblet cell density. These results suggest that long‐term applications of topical anti glaucoma medications damage the ocular surface. 1995 Institution Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica