Preservative-Free Prostaglandin Analogs and Prostaglandin/Timolol Fixed Combinations in the Treatment of Glaucoma: Efficacy, Safety and Potential Advantages


Hollo G., Katsanos A., Boboridis K. G., Irkec M., Konstas A. G. P.

DRUGS, vol.78, no.1, pp.39-64, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 78 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s40265-017-0843-9
  • Journal Name: DRUGS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.39-64
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (OSD) is a serious pathology with a broad spectrum of insidious clinical presentations and complex pathogenesis that undermines long-term glaucoma care. Preservatives, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAK), contained in topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications frequently cause or aggravate OSD in glaucoma. Management of these patients is challenging, and to date often empirical due to the scarcity of controlled long-term clinical trials. Most of the available data are extracted from case series and retrospective analysis. Preservative-free prostaglandins and prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations are novel options developed to remove the harmful impact of preservatives, especially BAK, upon ocular tissues. Based on what is currently known on the value of preservative-free antiglaucoma therapies it is tempting to speculate how these new therapies may affect the future medical management of all glaucoma patients. This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the current literature on preservative-free prostaglandins and preservative-free prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations.