Effects Of Topical Antiglaucoma Medication On Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Using Ocular Tear Film Analyser In Cases And Controls

To examine effects of long term topical antiglaucoma medications on meibomian gland dysfunction using ocular tear film analyser in both cases and age matched controls.

The study was conducted in the Cornea and Glaucoma department of a tertiary eye care centre.

Total 94 patients who were on topical antiglaucoma medications and 94 patients who were not on any topical medications where considered as cases and controls respectively. Ocular surface analyser which images the meibomian glands and measures the lipid layer thickness was used. Both cases and control underwent imaging on the ocular surface analyser. The parameters noted down were the Meibomian Gland structure, blink rate and lipid layer thickness. Tests like Schirmer's II, tear film breakup time, fluorescein and Lissamine stain were performed to look for ocular surface disorder.

Patients who were on topical antiglaucoma medications had significant Meibomian Gland drop out and reduced lipid layer thickness as compared to controls. Among the topical antiglaucoma medications the patients who were on prostaglandins analogues had significant Meibomian Gland dysfunction. Patients who were on multiple topical  antiglaucoma medications were more affected as compared to those patients who were using single topical antiglaucoma medication. 

The present study highlights the need for objectively assessing the ocular surface health of patients on long term topical antiglaucoma medication. Long term usage of these drugs results in ocular surface diseases, meibomian gland dysfunction and deranges the lipid layer thickness