Study Comparing the Effects of Benzalkonium-Chloride Preserved and Preservative-Free Latanoprost Eye Drops on Eye Cells in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of two types of eye dropsbenzalkonium-chloride BAK preserved and preservative-free PFon the conjunctival goblet cells in adults with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This randomized, investigator-blind interventional study aims to understand how these eye drops influence goblet cell density and intraocular pressure. Participants will use two different eye drops Xalatan, which contains benzalkonium-chloride as a preservative, and Monoprost, which is preservative-free. Each participant applies one type of eye drop to one eye and the other type to the opposite eye for a duration of three months. The assignment of which eye receives which treatment is randomized to compare their effects directly. During the study, conjunctival prints will be taken before and after treatment to assess goblet cell density changes. Researchers will also measure intraocular pressure, ocular surface condition, mucin content, cytokines in the tear film, and evaluate ocular surface disease index at the three-month mark. Participants will be monitored throughout the study, which is expected to last around three months, to evaluate these outcomes and any effects related to the treatments.

Effect of Benzalkonium Chloride Preserved and Preservative-free Latanoprost Eye Drops on Conjunctival Goblet Cells