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Confocal Microscopy of Epithelial and Langerhans Cells of the Cornea in Patients Using Travoprost Drops Containing Two Different Preservatives

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Pathology & Oncology Research

Abstract

The recently developed confocal cornea microscopy offers the opportunity to examine pathologies of the cornea and to gain insight into the activity of innate immunity. We aimed to investigate the corneal epithelial and Langerhans cell (LC) densities along with dry eye parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) subjects, treated with either of two commercially available travoprost 0.004 % topical medications containing different preservatives. (1: benzalkonium chloride 0.015 % (TravBAK) and 2: polyquaternium-1 (PQ) 0.001 % (TravPQ). Consecutive case series of nineteen POAG patients on TravBAK (mean age: 64.8 ± 13.6 years), nineteen POAG patients on TravPQ (mean age: 66.8 ± 11.3 years) and nineteen age-matched healthy control subjects (63.8 ± 8.2 years). Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), lid parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), Schirmer test (ST) and tear break up time (TBUT) were assessed, and then corneal epithelial and LC densities were investigated with confocal microscopy. Tear production was significantly reduced in both glaucoma patient groups compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05). TBUT was significantly reduced and epithelial cell densities were significantly greater in patients treated with TravBAK compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05 for all). LC densities were greater in both glaucoma groups compared to control subjects (p < 0.05 for all). Travoprost therapy may compromise ocular surface. The limited alertness of the corneal immune system found in patients with TravPQ can be considered as indicators of a less disturbed ocular surface and better controlled corneal homeostasis.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to express our gratitude to Shikha Sud (specialist optometrist at Nottingham University, Dept. of Ophthalmology) for her valuable contribution in proofreading of the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

None of the authors have financial, proprietary or other interest in any of the materials and instruments applied in the study. No financial support was received in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University Budapest, Mária u. 39, 1085, Budapest, Hungary

    László Marsovszky, Miklós D. Resch, Zsuzsanna Visontai & János Németh

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  1. László Marsovszky
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  2. Miklós D. Resch
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  3. Zsuzsanna Visontai
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  4. János Németh
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Correspondence to László Marsovszky.

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Marsovszky, L., Resch, M.D., Visontai, Z. et al. Confocal Microscopy of Epithelial and Langerhans Cells of the Cornea in Patients Using Travoprost Drops Containing Two Different Preservatives. Pathol. Oncol. Res. 20, 741–746 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12253-014-9755-0

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