Patients with childhood glaucoma have greater rate of ocular surface disease

Patients with childhood glaucoma have a significantly greater incidence of dry eye syndrome signs and symptoms compared with healthy children of the same age, according to a study presented at the 2023 AAPOS Annual Meeting.

The study compared 37 pediatric glaucoma patients to 21 healthy age-matched controls. The glaucoma patients had a higher number of medications and surgeries than the control group, as well as lower tear film breakup time, higher prevalence of punctate epithelial erosions and conjunctival erythema, and more reported symptoms of dry eye syndrome. The use of ≥2 glaucoma drops was associated with worse dry eye symptoms. All the results were statistically significant.

Reference
Haseeb AA, et al. Ocular Surface Disease in Childhood Glaucoma. Presented at: 2023 AAPOS Annual Meeting.