Abstract

Purpose. To study experimental model of eye surface chronic inflammation, associated with glaucoma medication. Material and methods. 40 rabbits received glaucoma medication containing prostaglandin analogue (PGA), beta-blocker (BB) and preservative benzalkonium chloride (PGA + BB group) for 3 months. Rabbits of control group (n=12) received drops of normal saline for the same period of time. All the rabbits underwent regular ophthalmic examination including biomicroscopy, conjunctival hyperemia scoring, corneal examination involving fluorescein staining as well as Shirmer's test I. In 3 months tissues of conjunctiva, Tenon's capsule and cornea were histologically investigated by means of microscopy. Results. Median score of conjunctival hyperemia was significantly higher at PGA + BB group by the end of the study: 2.0 (1.0; 2.0) vs 0.0 (0.0; 0.5) points in control group. Corneal epithelium damage score according to Efron grading scales was 2.0 (1.0; 2.0) points in PGA+BB group, while corneas of control group rabbits didn't show signs of fluorescein staining. Rabbits under topical glaucoma medication had lower results of Shirmer's test I: 10.0 (9.5; 11.0) mm vs 14.0 (14.0; 15.0) mm at animals of control group by the end of experiment. Histological examination revealed thickened conjunctiva, thickened conjunctival epithelium with disorganization of its layers, lesions of monocyte infiltration, fibrosis and neoangiogenesis in conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule, as well as local detachment of upper layers of corneal epithelium in PGA + BB group. Conclusion. We received experimental model of eye surface disease, associated with glaucoma medication, as a result of daily 3-months administration of fixed combination of PGA and BB containing preservative in rabbit eyes. Eye surface disorder was characterized by morphological signs of chronic inflammation of conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule with clinical manifestations of dry eye disease. Key words: glaucoma medication, preservatives, experimental model, dr y eye disease, inflammation, conjunctiva

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