Tips to improve ocular surface problems in patients using glaucoma medication

Ocular surface disease is a frequently met challenge in our daily ophthalmology practice; even more so in glaucoma patients, who often need long term topical medication. The risk factors for ocular surface disease are many, including age, systemic disease, drug side effects, ocular conditions and lifestyle habits, such as smoking or computer use. More often than not, our glaucoma therapy is worsening the symptoms.

Knowing the different effects and side effects of our therapy will help us chose the optimal local agents for our individual patients and, by addressing this issue with the patient, we can ensure a better adherence to our therapy and find an optimal and tolerable daily regimen for the necessary treatment of glaucoma.