Dr. PRADEEP BALAM

Dr. AJITA SASIDHARAN, Dr.A.SURABHI

Abstract

Purpose: To know effect of topical glaucoma medications on lipid layer thickness (LLT) in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients using LipiView ocular surface interferometer.

Methods: Patients attending glaucoma OPD who were newly diagnosed with glaucoma and treated with topical glaucoma medications for 6 months were included in study. Three LLT parameters (maximum,average and minimum) were recorded before starting medications and after 6 months.

Results: 38 eyes of twenty six patients were included in study. Before starting treatment maximum,average and minimum LLT were 80.98 ± 16.50, 65.84 ± 16.73 and 55.55 ± 20.62. At the end of 6 months maximum, average and minimum LLT were 77.42 ±14.34, 62.50 ± 15.57, 52.40 ± 18.24.Longer duration of glaucoma eye drops and a greater number of glaucoma medications were associated with the lower LLT.

Conclusion: Patients on longterm glaucoma medications should be assessed for lipid layer thickness to evaluate the ocular surface health.