A Study of the Effects of Topical Timolol 0.5% and Bimatoprost 0.03% on the Ocular Surface

Abstract

BACKGROUNDAntiglaucoma medications have increased in number and use over the past two decades. Timolol and bimatoprost are used as first line therapy in many centres. Adverse effects on the ocular surface have been noted with many topical medications.The aim of the study is to study the effects of timolol and bimatoprost on the ocular surface. MATERIALS AND METHODSNewly-diagnosed patients with POAG were randomly allocated to receive timolol or bimatoprost. Conjunctival impression cytology, tear film break-up time, Schirmer's and rose bengal score were done at baseline, one, three and six months. RESULTSThe tear film break-up time reduced in both groups over the study period with the reduction in the timolol group of 7.3 seconds being more pronounced and statistically significant. The mean reduction in Schirmer test values was greater in the timolol group (9.1 mm) at both 3 months and 6 months and was statistically significant. The rose bengal scores over the period of six months in both groups were being statistically significant at three and six months in the timolol group, while rise in scores was seen only at six months in the bimatoprost group. Conjunctival impression cytology was carried out at baseline and six months. Statistically, significant cytological changes were seen only in the timolol group after six months of therapy. CONCLUSIONThe adverse effects on ocular surface were more pronounced with timolol when compared with bimatoprost.