Influence of local application of glaucoma medications-travoprost eye drops on patients’ tear film function

Abstract

This study discussed about the influence of local application of glaucoma medications--travoprost eye drops to patients’ tear film function. We selected 24 patients, 45 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension. All of the patients topically used the travoprost eye drops for one time every night. After and before the pharmacy, we proceeded 1, 2, 3 mo lines symptom score and Schirmer’s test (St), corneal fluorescein staining (FL), breakup time of tear film (BUT). Average value of symptom score and FL of all the patients before pharmacy were 1.32±1. 55, 0.42± 0.68, and 1, 2, 3mo after pharmacy were respectively 2.68±1.59, 0.96±0.81; 4.97±1.62, 1.46±0.62; 6.21±1.33, 1.88 ±0.44. Symptom score and FL of 1, 2, 3 mo patients after pharmacy were all prominent higher than it before pharmacy (P=0.00), and it gradually increased. The average value of patients symptom BUT and St before pharmacy were (7.71±0.87s), (8.32±2.63mm /5min) and 1, 2, 3 mo after pharmacy were respectively (6.93±1.17s), (7.69±3. 33mm /5min); (5.48±1.29s), (6.79±2.94mm /5min); (4.33±1.83s), (5.98±3.11mm/5min). BUT and St value after pharmacy were prominent all lower than the level before pharmacy (P=0.00). And it gradually reduced. Short-term use of travoprost eye drops would aggravate the corneal irritation of patients, and decrease the tear film stability and tear secretion.