Effect of the Preservative Benzalkonium Chloride in Prostaglandin Analogues on Corneal Sensitivity

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#To investigate the effect of a prostaglandin (PG) analogue with or without preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on corneal sensitivity. @*Methods@#Central corneal sensitivity was measured prospectively with a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) before and 1 and 3 months after treatment. All patients began treatment with PG monotherapy with or without BAK preservative. @*Results@#The study enrolled 84 patients 52 NTG and 32 POAG. The treatment was PG with BAK preservative in 45 eyes and without BAK preservative in 39 eyes. Without BAK, the mean corneal sensitivity was 58.22 ± 3.56, 57.77 ± 4.59, and 56.33 ± 5.47 mm before and after 1 and 3 months, respectively; with BAK the mean corneal sensitivity was 58.20 ± 4.51, 56.31 ± 6.22, and 55.52 ± 6.23 mm. Corneal sensitivity was reduced significantly in patients using PG with the preservative BAK after 3 months (p = 0.033). Co-administration of artificial tears did not affect this reduction in corneal sensitivity. @*Conclusions@#PG with the preservative BAK reduced corneal sensitivity and artificial tears did not improve this reduction. Reduced corneal sensitivity and accompanying side effects should be considered in the long-term use of PG with the preservative BAK.