Comparison of Corneal and Conjunctival Changes After Dosing of Travoprost Preserved With sofZia, Latanoprost With 0.02% Benzalkonium Chloride, and Preservative-free Artificial Tears

Abstract

Once-daily dosing of travoprost with sofZia produced significantly fewer corneal changes and less conjunctival inflammation than latanoprost preserved with BAK. Corneal and conjunctival changes noted with travoprost with sofZia were similar to those induced by preservative-free artificial tears. Glaucoma medication with high levels of BAK may cause more deleterious effects on the ocular surface than non-BAK-preserved medications. Human studies are needed to better understand the clinical effects of different preservative types and concentrations on the ocular surface.

Polyoxyethylene Hydrogenated Castor Oil Modulates Benzalkonium Chloride Toxicity: Comparison of Acute Corneal Barrier Dysfunction Induced by Travoprost Z and Travoprost

“…Several comparative studies of ocular surface changes induced by prostaglandin analogs have shown that travoprost Z causes significantly less corneal and conjunctival toxicity as compared to the latanoprost ophthalmic solution that contains 0.02% BAC. [21][22][23][24] In these reports, however, comparisons of travoprost Z with travoprost were not performed. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the corneal toxicity of travoprost Z and travoprost using a newly developed electrophysiological method.…”

Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5%-fixed combination with and without benzalkonium chloride: a prospective, randomized, doubled-masked comparison of safety and efficacy

“…28 BAK induces cytotoxic effects leading to apoptosis in conjunctival cell culture, 29,30 and several studies have demonstrated detrimental effects on both conjunctival and corneal cells in rabbit models. [9][10][11] This potential interaction between BAK and OSD is clinically relevant, as a recent study estimated that approximately 60% of glaucoma patients have symptoms of OSD. 4 There may be a potential benefit derived from reducing or eliminating BAK exposure in this population.…”

Effects of corneal thickness on the intraocular penetration of travoprost 0.004%

“…Chronic exposure to these drugs, often containing preservatives, could modify the permeability of the corneal epithelium 17,18 and affect the concentration of the main active ingredient in the anterior chamber. We are thus unaware if this altered permeability might similarly affect corneas of different thicknesses.…”