Ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients on topical medications and its relation to duration of treatment and number of medications

Background: Topical antiglaucoma medications can alter the tear film and lead to ocular surface disease (OSD). Aim: This study was done to check for the presence of OSD in patients of glaucoma on topical antiglaucoma medications and to analyze the severity of OSD with duration of treatment and number of topical antiglaucoma medications. Setting and Design: This is a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was undertaken in 54 eyes of 54 glaucoma patients taking antiglaucoma medications for at least 6 months and control group of 54 subjects. All the participants were assessed for OSD by ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer's 1 test, and tear break up time test (TBUT). Statistical Analysis: Mean and percentage were used to analyze the variables. Comparison analysis was done with analysis of variance test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of OSD in patients of glaucoma on topical antiglaucoma medications was found to be 74%, 69%, and 83% based on OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer's test, and TBUT test, respectively. There was increase in severity of OSD with increased duration of treatment and increase in number of topical antiglaucoma medications. Conclusion: Most patients of glaucoma on topical antiglaucoma medications were having OSD. Severity of OSD is directly proportional to duration of treatment and number of drugs used.