Evaluation of the Effects of Topical Prostaglandins on the Ocular Surface and Conjunctival Epithelial Thickness by SD-OCT: Case-Control Study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of topical latanoprost and latanoprost timolol combination (LTC) on conjunctival epithelial thickness and ocular surface discomfort in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Material and Methods: The study included 43 patients in latanoprost group, 32 patients in LTC group, and 39 healthy subjects in control group. Bulbar conjunctival epithelial thickness was measured in all participants using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with anterior segment module. Ocular Surface Disease Index® (OSDI®) score, Schirmer's test with anesthesia and tear break-up time were recorded and compared between groups. Results: Mean conjunctival epithelial thickness was 31.27±3.85 µm in latanoprost group, 34.75±3.38 µm in LTC group and 39.20±4.85 µm in control group. Conjunctival epithelial thickness was significantly lower in both latanoprost and LTC groups compared to control group (p