COMPARISON OF SAFETY OF LATANOPROST WITH PRESERVATIVE BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (BAK) VERSUS BAK-FREE TRAVOPROST IN PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the safety of BAK-preserved latanoprost versus travoprost BAK-free ophthalmic solution in the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: Prospective, open-labeled, and randomized comparative study conducted in tertiary care hospital. Forty patients were enrolled and divided into 20 patients in each group: Group A topical latanoprost (0.005%) with BAK and Group B topical BAK-free travoprost (0.004%). Safety assessment was done by following parameters – Schrimer test (ST), tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Results: ST and TBUT were calculated at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months and OSDI scores were calculated at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. Group A and B were compared using ST, TBUT, and OSDI scores. Group B showed statistically significant results (p<0.05). Conclusion: Topical BAK-free travoprost is more tolerable than BAK-preserved latanoprostin POAG.