Ocular surface disease signs and symptoms of glaucoma patients and their relation to glaucoma medication in Finland

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of ocular surface disease (OSD) signs and symptoms of glaucoma patients in private clinics in relation to topical glaucoma treatment and to compare them to non-glaucomatous population. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional study consisting of private ophthalmology clinic visits in southern Finland. Glaucoma patients had a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, or treated ocular hypertension. Control patients had no prior or current use of glaucoma medication. Recorded parameters included OSD signs and symptoms, used glaucoma medications during the past 6 months, and the product name, type, and duration of used antiglaucoma drugs. RESULTS: Glaucoma patients (n = 564) showed higher severity of OSD sign parameters excluding Schirmer's test, as well as increased dry eye sensation compared to controls (n = 51). Beta-blockers and preservative-free prostaglandins had the smallest effect on all parameters. The increasing number of active compounds and administered eye drops per day showed an association with increasing severity of OSD signs, as well as dry eye and foreign body sensation. Duration of glaucoma medication showed no significant association with OSD signs or symptoms. CONCLUSION: Glaucoma patients show higher prevalence of OSD signs and dry eye sensation compared to non-glaucomatous population. The use of preserved glaucoma medication, as well as high number of active compounds and eye drops increase the severity of these parameters. There are significant differences between the types of glaucoma medication used, and therefore the selection of them is important especially in patients suffering from OSD.