Ocular surface conditions in Asian glaucoma patients with existing corneal disorders switching from preserved prostaglandin analogue monotherapy to preservative-free tafluprost

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma medications are often preserved with agents such as benzalkonium chloride, which commonly lead to ocular surface diseases.Purpose: To investigate the effect of switching to a preservative-free prostaglandin analogue, tafluprost 0.0015% on treatment tolerability and ocular surface diseases.Study design: This was a prospective, open-label, non-randomised, observational study performed in a single hospital.Materials and methods: This study involved patients of Asian descent diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (n = 28), who received preserved prostaglandin monotherapy for longer than 3 months and had a National Eye Institute ocular surface staining scale score higher than 1. Patients were switched from preserved prostaglandin monotherapy to preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015%. Patients were analysed at baseline (Visit 0), 1 month (Visit 1), and 3 months (Visit 2). The main parameter measured is the change in the fluorescein staining score at Visit 2.Results: There was a significant improvement in the fluorescein staining score, with a mean reduction score of 1.96 (standard deviation, SD = 1.53; p < 0.0001), and significant reductions in conjunctival hyperaemia (bulbar, p < 0.0001; palpebral, p < 0.05) from baseline to Visit 2. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire also showed a mean reduction of 4.14 from baseline to visit 2 (SD = 8.20; p < 0.05). The intraocular pressure and tear breakup time were maintained from baseline to Visit 2.Conclusion: Switching patients to preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015% showed significant improvements in ocular surface disease with minimal side effects and similar intraocular pressure reduction rates.

A Pooled Assessment of Ocular Surface Disease After Switching from Preserved Prostaglandins to Tafluprost Across Six Countries in Asia

“… Tumbocon 13 73 64.8 (14–94) 43(59) POAG, PACG, OHT, secondary, NTG Tafluprost preservative-low 0.0015% (1 drop/day) 12–24 wks Significant reduction in IOP was sustained through the study period and in sub-groups (treatment-naïve, add-on, or replacement therapy). Lim 16 28 65.5 (9.55) 9(32) POAG, OHT Tafluprost preservative-free 0.0015% (1 drop/day) 12-wks Significant improvement in CFS, and OSDI. Yen 18 20 63.9 (10.4) 8(40) POAG, OHT Tafluprost preservative-low 0.0015% (1 drop/day) 12-wks Effectiveness was seen via TBUT, CFS and hyperemia.…”

“…12 A total of six studies were compiled from six Asian countries including South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan (Table 1). Data from all countries were published (Philippines, 13 Singapore, 14 Thailand, 15 Malaysia, 16 Korea, 17 Taiwan 18 ) at the time of this analysis (it is stated in the references section that the Taiwan study was just presented as poster in a scientific meeting and not published). Assessment of study outcomes for all studies was performed using a similar method: IOP and OSD [CFS, tear film break-up time (TBUT), hyperemia].…”