Anti-androgen drugs may make dry eye worse in some patients
Altered tear function tests, increased corneal and conjunctival staining scores, and worsening complaints of dry eye were noted in patients with prostate cancer receiving anti-androgen drugs, according to a study.
Researchers examined 64 male patients, including 31 who were on anti-androgen treatment for prostate cancer (Group A) and 17 who received only surgical treatment (Group B). A control group of 16 patients who had never received anti-androgen treatment (Group C) were matched for age.
The mean Schirmer’s values were 6.87mm in Group A, 11.41mm in in Group B, and 13.03mm in Groups C (P = 0.001) and tear film break up time (TBUT) was 5.45±2.01, 9.85±2.52 and 9.81±1.96 seconds, respectively (P=0.001).
In Group A Schirmer and TBUT were significantly lower, and corneal staining and OSDI questionnaire scores were higher than in Groups B and C (P < 0.01)..
Reference
Aydin Kurna S, Oflaz Hacisalihoglu A, Altun A, et al. Effects of systemic anti-androgen drugs on the ocular surface. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2022;S0181-5512(21)00473-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2021.06.007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35489988.
