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Updated: May 10, 2026
06:29
Effect of Artificial Tear Formulations on the Metabolic Activity of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells after Exposure to Desiccation
Published on: May 2, 2020
The need for artificial tears in glaucoma patients: a comparative, retrospective study
Vital Paulino Costa1, Renata Siqueira da Silva, Renato Ambrósio
1Setor de Glaucoma, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP - Campinas (SP), Brazil. vp.costa@uol.com.br
Arquivos Brasileiros De Oftalmologia
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Glaucoma patients on topical hypotensive treatment frequently need artificial tears. Female gender, longer treatment duration, and multiple medications increase this need.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Glaucoma management often involves topical hypotensive medications.
- Dry eye symptoms are common in patients using these treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the necessity of artificial tears in glaucoma patients undergoing topical hypotensive therapy.
- To identify risk factors contributing to artificial tear usage in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of 175 glaucoma patients and 175 age-matched controls.
- Data collected included age, gender, artificial tear use, number of glaucoma medications, and treatment duration.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma patients were significantly more likely to use artificial tears (52.6%) than controls (17.7%).
- Female gender, presence of glaucoma, using more than two medications, and treatment duration exceeding five years were identified as risk factors for artificial tear use.
Conclusions:
- Topical antiglaucoma medication use is a significant risk factor for requiring artificial tears.
- Female patients and those on long-term, multi-drug glaucoma regimens experience increased need for artificial tears.
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