Ocular surface disease: a known yet overlooked side effect of topical glaucoma therapy

Ocular surface disease (OSD), a disorder affecting the lacrimal and meibomian glands corneal conjunctival epithelium, is well-known complication of topical glaucoma therapy. OSD can present as new or pre-existing condition that virtually any anti-glaucoma formulation exacerbate. As such, both frequently coexist. Typical symptoms include ocular discomfort, redness, burning, dryness, whereas signs periorbital eyelid skin pigmentation, scarring, superficial punctate keratitis. Pressure-lowering eyedrops cause toxic, allergic, inflammatory reactions on surface. The latter result from either preservatives direct toxicity active molecule. Although usually mild, significant lead to poor quality life, decreased compliance therapy, progression, worse visual outcomes. Given chronic nature glaucoma, lack curative subsequent lifelong treatment, addressing necessary. This manuscript aims provide an up-to-date overview OSD’s signs, symptoms, pathogenic mechanisms therapy toxicity.