Posters

Tear neuromediators in eyes on chronic topical antiglaucoma therapy with and without BAK preservatives

Poster Details

First Author: V.Murugesan INDIA

Co Author(s):    R. Dwivedi   M. Saini   V. Gupta   T. Dada   S. Vivekanandhan        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate tear neuropeptides (NPs) [vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuropeptide Y, calcitonin gene related peptide, substance P, nerve growth factor] in chronic ocular topical hypotensive therapy with & without BAK preservative.

Setting:

Cornea & Ocular Surface Services, Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Methods:

A comparative, open label, cross-sectional study of patients using antiglaucoma medications for > 6 months with BAK (group 1), without BAK (group 2) and controls was done. Tear NPs - vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), Calcitonin growth regulatory protein (CGRP),  nerve growth factor (NGF), substance p (SP) and Neurotpeptide Y (NPY) ( by ELISA tesing ), ocular surface evaluation tests (TBUT, Schirmer’s test, corneal & conjunctival staining score) and confocal central corneal subbasal nerve fibre layer (SBNFL) imaging for density was done.

Results:

In 153 eyes [group 1: 82 (41 patients; mean age 48 ± 14.5 years)]; group 2: 71 eyes (36 patients;  mean age 43.11 ± 15 years) on therapy for a mean duration of 10.05±2.0 & 9.67±2.3 months respectively, tear analysis showed elevated SP, NGF (p=<0.01); decreased CGRP (p=0.03), VIP, NPY (p<0.01) compared to controls (30, mean age 29.33±5.7 years). Tear NPs levels [SP (p=0.1), NGF (p=0.33), CGRP (p=1), VIP (p=0.87), NPY (p=0.83)] and SBNFLD (p=0.09) were comparable in both groups. There was no correlation seen between tear NP levels and clinical tests & SBNFL.

Conclusions:

Our study analysis points towards altered tear NPs levels in eyes on chronic topical hypotensive therapy in comparison to controls with no significant difference in tear NPs levels & central corneal SBNFL density between the BAK preservative & BAK free antiglaucoma therapy was noted.No correlation was observed between tear NP and ocular surface evaluation tests and SBNFLD.

Financial Disclosure:

None