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Abstract #66627 Published in IGR 17-4
Effect of preserved and preservative-free timolol eye drops on tear film stability in healthy Africans
Ilechie A; Abokyi S; Boateng G; Koffuor GANigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association 2016; 57: 104-109
BACKGROUND: Preserved versus nonpreserved formulations for ophthalmic use have been well described in the literature although not specifically in the African population where beta blockers are frequently used as the first-line therapy due to economic and availability issues. This study sought to determine the effect of preserved and preservative-free Timolol eye drops on tear film stability in healthy black Africans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty healthy nondry eye subjects aged 19-25 years were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 15) and differently treated with eye drops of phosphate buffered saline (PBS), preservative-free timolol (PFT), benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only, and BAK-preserved timolol (BPT). Noninvasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) was measured using the keratometer at baseline and 30, 60, and 90 min after drop application. RESULTS: No significant decline in NITBUT was observed following treatment with PFT and PBS. However, BAK treatment showed a positive time-dependent significant decline in NITBUT (P < 0.001) while a significant decline in the BPT-treated group was only found at 90 min (-3.52 s; P < 0.001). In comparison to the PFT-treated group, treatment with BAK and BPT showed significantly lower NITBUT (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: BPT is associated with a significant decline in tear film stability in black Africans. This finding has implications in the management of glaucoma in patients with high-risk of dry eyes in this population.
Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Full articleClassification:
11.16 Vehicles, delivery systems, pharmacokinetics, formulation (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
11.3.4 Betablocker (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
