Ocular surface conditions in Asian glaucoma patients with existing corneal disorders switching from preserved prostaglandin analogue monotherapy to preservative-free tafluprost

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma medications are often preserved with agents such as benzalkonium chloride, which commonly lead to ocular surface diseases.
Purpose: To investigate the effect of switching to a preservative-free prostaglandin analogue, tafluprost 0.0015% on treatment tolerability and ocular surface diseases.
Study design: This was a prospective, open-label, non-randomised, observational study performed in a single hospital.
Materials and methods: This study involved patients of Asian descent diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (n = 28), who received preserved prostaglandin monotherapy for longer than 3 months and had a National Eye Institute ocular surface staining scale score higher than 1. Patients were switched from preserved prostaglandin monotherapy to preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015%. Patients were analysed at baseline (Visit 0), 1 month (Visit 1), and 3 months (Visit 2). The main parameter measured is the change in the fluorescein staining score at Visit 2.
Results: There was a significant improvement in the fluorescein staining score, with a mean reduction score of 1.96 (standard deviation, SD = 1.53; p < 0.0001), and significant reductions in conjunctival hyperaemia (bulbar, p < 0.0001; palpebral, p < 0.05) from baseline to Visit 2. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire also showed a mean reduction of 4.14 from baseline to visit 2 (SD = 8.20; p < 0.05). The intraocular pressure and tear breakup time were maintained from baseline to Visit 2.
Conclusion: Switching patients to preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015% showed significant improvements in ocular surface disease with minimal side effects and similar intraocular pressure reduction rates.