Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Objective: This survey-based study was to gather expert opinion regarding the perspective and preference of preservative-free therapies in managing glaucoma and ocular surface disease (OSD) in Indian settings.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a multiple-response questionnaire comprising 20 questions designed to collect feedback, clinical observations, and experiences from specialists regarding the management of glaucoma and ocular surface dryness by using preservative-free compositions in routine settings. The questionnaire was structured to capture insights on the frequency of use, perceived efficacy, adverse effects, and preferences for preservative-free compositions. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics.
Results: The survey included 227 experts, and about 55% of the clinicians attributed age as the reason for the association between dry eye and newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. For newly diagnosed patients with both glaucoma and OSD, around 53% of the clinicians recommended preservative-free anti-glaucoma medication. As reported by 44% of clinicians, tear substitutes with less or no preservative on the ocular surface could be an ideal tear substitute for managing OSD in glaucoma patients. More than half (58.59%) of the clinicians responded that all glaucoma patients generally preferred a preservative-free anti-glaucoma medication. Approximately 69% of clinicians sometimes chose a fixed-dose combination over monotherapy for newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. According to 42% of clinicians, the primary advantage of fixed-dose combination eye drops was the reduction in the total number of drops and preservatives used daily.
Conclusion: This study highlighted a preference for preservative-free medications to minimize ocular surface damage, particularly in patients with OSD. Fixed-dose combinations were favored for convenience and reduced preservative exposure, improving patient compliance and outcomes. Age was commonly cited as a factor linking dry eyes to newly diagnosed glaucoma.