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Effects of topical antiglaucoma application on conjunctival impression cytology specimens.

Hong S, Lee CS, Seo KY, Seong GJ, Hong YJ

Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in conjunctival impression cytology specimens from patients receiving various topical antiglaucoma medications. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. METHODS: Impression cytology specimens were obtained from the eyes taking no topical medication (n = 20) and from the eyes taking various antiglaucoma medications (timolol n = 34; latanoprost n = 40; dorzolamide n = 32; timolol + latanoprost n = 30; timolol + dorzolamide n = 34). Specimens were graded on a scale of zero to three according to Nelson's method. RESULTS: Cytology scores were significantly higher in the medication group than the control group. Mean cytology scores of the control, timolol, latanoprost, dorzolamide, timolol + latanoprost, and timolol + dorzolamide group were 0.20, 1.62, 2.00, 1.75, 2.13, and 2.44, respectively. Among the medication groups, cytology scores were significantly lower in the monotherapy group than the fixed-combination therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: Various topical antiglaucoma medications induce a significant degree of squamous metaplasia. Conjunctival surface could be altered after the long-term use of antiglaucoma medication.

Published 3 July 2006 in Am J Ophthalmol, 142(1): 185-6.
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