Effect of the Preservative Benzalkonium Chloride in Prostaglandin Analogues on Corneal Sensitivity
10.3341/jkos.2022.63.3.295
- Author:
Jeong Yeub KIM
1
;
Jae Woo KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Daegu Catholic University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2022;63(3):295-300
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To investigate the effect of a prostaglandin (PG) analogue with or without preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on corneal sensitivity.
Methods:Central corneal sensitivity was measured prospectively with a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) before and 1 and 3 months after treatment. All patients began treatment with PG monotherapy with or without BAK preservative.
Results:The study enrolled 84 patients: 52 NTG and 32 POAG. The treatment was PG with BAK preservative in 45 eyes and without BAK preservative in 39 eyes. Without BAK, the mean corneal sensitivity was 58.22 ± 3.56, 57.77 ± 4.59, and 56.33 ± 5.47 mm before and after 1 and 3 months, respectively; with BAK the mean corneal sensitivity was 58.20 ± 4.51, 56.31 ± 6.22, and 55.52 ± 6.23 mm. Corneal sensitivity was reduced significantly in patients using PG with the preservative BAK after 3 months (p = 0.033). Co-administration of artificial tears did not affect this reduction in corneal sensitivity.
Conclusions:PG with the preservative BAK reduced corneal sensitivity and artificial tears did not improve this reduction. Reduced corneal sensitivity and accompanying side effects should be considered in the long-term use of PG with the preservative BAK.
