Effects of Anti-Glaucoma Medications on the Ocular Surface
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2013-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of the study is to compare the efficacy of FDA-approved Travoprost (Travatan Z)
and Latanoprost (Xalatan)as anti-glaucoma treatment. Several studies indicate that glaucoma
medications may be associated with decreased tear production and tear film break-up time
(TBUT), and increased inflammatory cells in the conjunctiva (membrane lining of the eye lids
and the covering of the eye) leading to dry eye. Normal tear film (coating of the eye) is
continuous and blinking maintains the tear film continuity. If you keep your eyes open long
enough without blinking, the tear film will start breaking up. Your eye will feel
uncomfortable forcing you to blink. In patients with dry eyes, the tear film is unstable, and
breaks up faster. Therefore the tear break up time in patients who have dry eyes is shorter.
In this study, the investigators will be comparing the two previously mentioned FDA-approved
eye drops Latanoprost and Travoprost. The difference between the two medications is a
preservative called benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Latanoprost contains BAK while Travoprost
does not. The investigators will be comparing the efficacy of each medication in lowering IOP
as well as trying to track the density of immune cells across the corneal surface by taking
photos of your eye. The investigators will also be assessing whether either drop leads to
symptoms of dry eye by comparing results from ocular surface exam tests such as TBUT.