To investigate the differences in punctal dimensions, tear meniscus height (TMH), and cornea epithelium among medically controlled glaucoma patients using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and evaluate the parameters that affect the results.
Methods
This cross-sectional, observational study included 80 subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma and 80 normal subjects without glaucoma and ocular symptoms. AS-OCT was used to measure TMH, outer punctal diameter (OPD), punctal depth (PD), and central corneal epithelial thickness (CCET). Correlations for the effect of topical anti-glaucoma medications on OPD, PD, TMH, and CCET were analyzed. The impact of prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) and Beta-blockers on the parameters were evaluated.
Results
No significant differences were found in age and sex between the groups (p = 0.333 and p = 0.635, respectively). Glaucoma patients exhibited significantly narrower OPD (p < 0.001), TMH (p < 0.001), and CCET (p = 0.006). Subjects on longer-duration therapy showed a statistically significant reduction in TMH and CCET (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022). While the PD value was significantly lower in those using anti-glaucoma medications containing Beta-blockers (p = 0.002), the TMH value was significantly lower in those containing PGAs (p = 0.037).
Conclusions
Topical anti-glaucoma medications affect the OPD, TMH, and CCET in glaucoma patients compared with normal subjects. Topical anti-glaucoma medications usage duration has negative effects on TMH and CCET. Beta-blockers are more effective on the punctum, while PGAs are more effective on the TMH. These findings highlight the utility of AS-OCT in assessing asymptomatic glaucoma patients and its effects on the ocular surface.
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