Hamida Munir, Mahmood Ali, Ume-sughra, Farah Akhtar.
Association between Dry Eyes and Anti-glaucoma Medications: A Case Control Study.
Al-Shifa J Ophthalmol Jan ;12(3):164-9.

Objective: To identify the association between dry eye syndrome and anti-glaucoma medications, to detect the effect of duration of anti-glaucoma medications use on producing symptoms of dry eye and to compare the frequency of dry eye symptoms in anti-glaucoma medications users and control group. Subjects and Methods: A case control study at the Glaucoma department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi, in which hundred patients on anti-glaucoma medications and hundred controls were enrolled. Tear break up time (TBUT), Schirmer test and Tear meniscus height were used to evaluate dry eye. All the information was recorded on a structured proforma and data was analysed using SPSS version 13. Results: In results of TBUT, 78% dry eyes were found in cases and 30% in control group. Schirmer test results showed 62% dry eyes in cases and 34% in control group. Tear meniscus height showed 85% dry eyes in cases and 37% in control group. Results were statistically significant with P <0.005. Regarding the duration of use, 34% dry eyes were found in Glaucoma patients using medications for 2-3 years and 75% in those who were using medicines for more than 5 years and results were statistically significant with p <0.005. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is an association between the use of anti-glaucoma medications and dry eyes. Increase in duration of medications use leads to increase in symptoms of dry eye.

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