BackgroundGlaucoma and dry eye disorders (DEDs) are frequent comorbidities. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids have been extensively studied in relation to eye diseases.ObjectiveOur objective was to determine the effects of oral supplementation with a combined formulation of antioxidants and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids on expression of cytokines and chemokines in tears from patients with DEDs or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsParticipants (n = 97) were distributed into three groups: (1) individuals with nonsevere DEDs (DEDG), (2) individuals with nonadvanced POAG (POAGG), and (3) healthy controls. These groups were randomized into two subgroups: one received a daily antioxidant and essential polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement (two pills) for 3 months (+S), and the other did not (−NS). Participants were interviewed and ophthalmologically examined. Concentrations of specific cytokines and chemokines in reflex tears were determined by multiplexed particle-based flow cytometry. The data were analyzed statistically (SPSS version 15.0).ResultsComparison of the results from the DEDG and POAGG patients showed significant differences in tear expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P = 0.008), tumor necrosis factor α (P = 0.005), vascular endothelial growth factor (P = 0.038), interleukin-4 (P = 0.030), and interleukin-6 (P = 0.044). The main signs and symptoms of dry eyes such as dryness, burning, photophobia, eye heaviness, and blurred vision, as well as positive changes in eyelashes, hair, nails and skin, were significantly improved in DEDG +S and POAGG +S patients relative to unsupplemented patients.ConclusionInflammation biomarkers were differentially expressed in glaucomatous tears, but the differences changed upon antioxidant/essential polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. Chronic instillation of antihypertensive eye drops must be considered for integrating protocols to glaucoma standards of care.

Different cytokine/chemokine expression profiles in tears of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and dry eye disease strongly suggest the involvement of a variety of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of these ophthalmic processes.

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Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior cilliary arteries (PCA), in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) patients. Patients and methods A total of 52 eyes from 52 patients with OAG and 25 eyes from 25 ACG patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in this cross-sectional study. Peak-systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and Pourcelot resistivity index (RI) were assessed in the OA, CRA, and PCA. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured both with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and with the Dynamic Contour tonometer (DCT) three times, respectively. Ocular pulse amplitude was measured using DCT. Results The RI was significantly higher in both the ophthalmic and short PCA in the OAG patients as compared with that in those ACG patients, P ¼ 0.003 and 0.048, respectively. There was no correlation between the IOP measured with GAT and the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in either OAG or ACG. Conclusions There was an increased resistance to blood flow in the OA of OAG as compared with ACG patients. Additionally, the degree of circulatory disturbance was not related to either the IOP or the visual-field damage.

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