Ocular Surface Disease with BAK preserved Travoprost and Polyquaternium 1(Polyquad) preserved Travoprost

Introduction. The topical medications containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as preservative is known to induce corneal toxicity and ocular surface disease (OSD) in glaucoma patients. Newer preservatives like SofZia or polyquaternium-1 (Polyquad) have been developed to replace BAK in many medications. The present study aimed at comparing the OSD in glaucoma patients receiving BAK preserved travoprost versus travoprost with polyquad as preservative and controls not receiving any medications. Methods. This prospective, controlled, observational study was conducted on patients of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) on medications for more than 6 months. The first group comprised of 40 patients receiving BAK preserved travoprost, the second group included 40 patients receiving polyquad preserved travoprost and 30 of control group not receiving any medical treatment. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire were assessed and compared in all subjects. Results. The mean OSDI score was 29.09 ± 13.45 in BAK group, 12.4 ± 5.085 in polyquad group and 10.93 ± 7.36 in controls. The mean difference in OSDI scores between BAK and polyquad group 16.63 (p < 0.05) and between the BAK and control group was 18.96 (p < 0.05). The mean difference in OSDI scores between the polyquad and control group was 1.53 (p > 0.05). The mean IOP in the BAK group was 19.2 ± 3.5 and in polyquad group was 20.1 ± 4.2. The IOP measured at 12 months of treatment was 13.2 ± 2.1 in BAK group and 12.8 ± 3.3 in polyquad group. The IOP measured at baseline and 12 months showed statistically significant difference in both the groups (p <o.oo1, p=o.ooo, respectively). Conclusions. OSDI scores revealed significantly lesser symptoms in polyquad preserved travoprost when compared to BAK preserved travoprost. The OSDI scores in polyquad group were also comparable to the control group. Hence, for long term glaucoma management polyquad containing travoprost should be preferred over the BAK preserved travoprost.