Abstract

Purpose The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of switching from Latanoprost ophthalmic solution containing a preservative to preservative-free Tafluprost ophthalmic solution or Tafluprost containing a preservative on ocular surfaces. Materials and Methods Forty patients (40 eyes) with glaucoma (mean age: 62.0 ± 10.9 years) using Latanoprost with preservative for six months or longer were assigned either to a Tafluprost-containing-preservative group (20 eyes) or preservative-free-Tafluprost group (20 eyes). The intraocular pressure, corneal epithelial barrier function (fluorescein uptake concentration with fluorophotometer FL-500), superficial punctate keratopathy (AD classification), and tear film breakup time (TBUT) were assessed before switching and at 12 weeks after switching. Results No significant differences in intraocular pressure were noted after switching in either group. Corneal epithelial barrier function was improved significantly after switching in both the Tafluprost-containing-preservative and the preservative-free-Tafluprost groups. There were no significant differences in AD scores after switching in the Tafluprost-containing-preservative group, but significant improvements were noted in the preservative-free-Tafluprost group. No significant differences in TBUT were noted in the Tafluprost-containing-preservative or preservative-free-Tafluprost groups after switching. Conclusion After switching from preservative Latanoprost to Tafluprost containing-preservative or preservative-free Tafluprost, corneal epithelial barrier function was improved while the intraocular pressure reduction was retained.

Highlights

  • Ophthalmic antiglaucoma agents with various mechanisms of action are available, and the range of treatment options for glaucoma has increased

  • We examined changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after switching to BAKpreserved Tafluprost or preservative-free Tafluprost in patients who were receiving Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved Latanoprost; our results revealed no significant differences in either group after switching from BAK-preserved Latanoprost

  • The results of the present study revealed no significant differences after the switch from BAK-preserved Latanoprost to BAK-preserved Tafluprost or preservative-free Tafluprost; it is important to note that IOP was maintained even after the switch

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Summary

Introduction

Ophthalmic antiglaucoma agents with various mechanisms of action are available, and the range of treatment options for glaucoma has increased. The side effects that may commonly occur, with PG-related drugs, and with other ophthalmic antiglaucoma agents, include ocular surface diseases (OSDs) such as tear reduction and superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) [4]. In addition to the ophthalmic antiglaucoma agent itself, the effects of preservatives have been indicated as a causative factor of OSD associated with ophthalmic antiglaucoma agent administration [5]. BAK-related tear film instability, loss of goblet cells, and disruption of the corneal epithelium barrier have been reported [14]. In order to reduce the effects of BAK, it may be necessary to decrease its concentration, use a preservative other than BAK [15, 16], or use an ophthalmic antiglaucoma agent that does not contain a preservative. It is well known that the BAK concentration of Journal of Ophthalmology

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