ABSTRACT
Purpose. The aim was to compare the effects of antiglaucoma eye drops on the tear functions and ocular surface. Method. Eighty-five eyes of 43 patients with glaucoma were included into this randomized prospective study. Timolol without preservative (1), timolol with benzododecinium bromide (2), latanoprost (3), bimatoprost (4), travoprost with benzalkonium chloride (5), and brimonidine with purite (6) were given to 6 groups. Schirmer I, tear film breakup time (TBUT), staining scores, and impression cytology samples were evaluated before and during 12-month-follow-up period. Results. At the end of 12 months, there was no detected change in Schirmer I and TBUT tests indicating dry eye. Corneal staining scores were higher in groups 1 and 2, while conjunctival staining scores were higher in group 6. Goblet cell count decreased in groups 1 and 5 in superior and inferior, group 2 in superior, and groups 3 and 6 in inferior conjunctiva. Squamous metaplasia grades showed a significant increase in groups 1 and 2 at 3rd, 6th, and 12th month controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion. We observed nonserious impact on tear functions and ocular surface with antiglaucoma monotherapy. Beta blockers induced more damage on the ocular surface suggesting the role of the dosing and active substances beside preservatives.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical outcome and fitting characteristics with Rose K contact lenses in patients with irregular astigmatism due to keratoconus. METHODS: About 19 patients with keratoconus were fitted with Rose K lens in the Cornea Department at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital between May 2005 and April 2006. Patients were between 19 and 32 years of age. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and best-corrected visual acuity measurements were taken with glasses at the baseline visit. During biomicroscopic evaluation, position, and centralization of the contact lens and fluorescein staining were noted. Visual acuity, contact lens comfort, and daily contact lens wearing time after fitting were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 96% of the patients tolerated the fitting. The mean daily wearing time was 10.7 h. There was a significant increase in visual acuity with Rose K lens compared with best-corrected spectacle visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Rose K lenses are a viable alternative in the visual rehabilitation of patients with keratoconus.
