Femtosecond laser-assisted keratopigmentation for the management of visual disabilities due to peripheral iridectomies.

PURPOSE: To report the technique and result of keratopigmentation using a femtosecond laser for the treatment of functional visual disabilities caused by peripheral iridectomies. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: Two eyes of 2 patients underwent femtosecond laser-assisted keratopigmentation (FLAK) for moderate to severe visual dysfunction secondary to peripheral iridectomies. The main outcomes measures of the study were changes in visual-related symptoms, cosmesis, and intraoperative surgical complications. RESULTS: Following FLAK, the visual-related symptoms (ghosting, glare, and monocular diplopia) improved in both cases with significant improvement to total elimination of symptoms. No patient lost any lines of visual acuity, and no significant complications were observed during the follow-up period. The cosmetic appearance was reported as very good. CONCLUSIONS: FLAK is minimally invasive and results in a significant decrease in the subjective glare and photophobia and even in resolution of monocular diplopia. The cosmetic outcome was also favorable. This technique allows surgeons to correct visual disabilities associated with iris defects with a high success rate while avoiding more aggressive intraocular surgery.

Impression cytology and in vivo confocal microscopy in corneas with total limbal stem cell deficiency.

PURPOSES: To describe corneal changes seen on in vivo confocal microscopy in patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency and to correlate them with cytological findings. METHODS: A prospective case series including 13 eyes (8 patients) with total limbal deficiency was carried out. Stem cell deficiency was diagnosed clinically and by corneal impression cytology. Confocal images of the central cornea were taken with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Corneal Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). RESULTS: Impression cytology of the cornea revealed conjunctival epithelial cells and goblet cells in all cases. In vivo confocal microscopy showed disruption of normal layers of the corneal epithelium in all eyes. Confocal images showed cells with characteristics of conjunctival epithelium at the cornea in 76.9% of the total. These findings on confocal microscopy were compatible to limbal stem cell deficiency. Additionally, goblet cells, squamous metaplasia, inflammatory cells and dendritic cells were observed. The sub-basal nerve plexus was not identified in any of the corneas. Corneal neovessels were observed at the epithelium and stroma. All cases showed diffuse hyper-reflective images of the stroma corresponding to opacity of the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Limbal stem cell deficiency had been confirmed by impression cytology in all cases, and 76.9% of the cases could also be diagnosed by in vivo confocal microscopy through the conjunctival epithelial cell visualization on the corneal surface. Frequent confocal microscopy findings were abnormal cells at the cornea (conjunctival epithelial, goblet and inflammatory cells), corneal neovessels and diffuse hyper-reflection of the stroma.

Impression cytology and in vivo confocal microscopy in corneas with total limbal stem cell deficiency / Citologia de impressão e microscopia confocal in vivo em córneas com deficiência total das células-tronco do limbo

PURPOSES: To describe corneal changes seen on in vivo confocal microscopy in patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency and to correlate them with cytological findings. METHODS: A prospective case series including 13 eyes (8 patients) with total limbal deficiency was carried out. Stem cell deficiency was diagnosed clinically and by corneal impression cytology. Confocal images of the central cornea were taken with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Corneal Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). RESULTS: Impression cytology of the cornea revealed conjunctival epithelial cells and goblet cells in all cases. In vivo confocal microscopy showed disruption of normal layers of the corneal epithelium in all eyes. Confocal images showed cells with characteristics of conjunctival epithelium at the cornea in 76.9% of the total. These findings on confocal microscopy were compatible to limbal stem cell deficiency. Additionally, goblet cells, squamous metaplasia, inflammatory cells and dendritic cells were observed. The sub-basal nerve plexus was not identified in any of the corneas. Corneal neovessels were observed at the epithelium and stroma. All cases showed diffuse hyper-reflective images of the stroma corresponding to opacity of the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Limbal stem cell deficiency had been confirmed by impression cytology in all cases, and 76.9% of the cases could also be diagnosed by in vivo confocal microscopy through the conjunctival epithelial cell visualization on the corneal surface. Frequent confocal microscopy findings were abnormal cells at the cornea (conjunctival epithelial, goblet and inflammatory cells), corneal neovessels and diffuse hyper-reflection of the stroma.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever as alterações corneais observadas na microscopia confocal in vivo e relacioná-las aos achados da citologia de impressão em pacientes com deficiência total das células-tronco do limbo. MÉTODOS: Série de casos prospectiva incluindo 13 olhos (8 pacientes) com deficiência total das células-tronco do limbo. A deficiência límbica foi diagnosticada clinicamente e mediante citologia de impressão da córnea. Imagens confocais da córnea central foram obtidas com o Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Corneal Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Alemanha). RESULTADOS: A citologia de impressão da córnea demonstrou células epiteliais da conjuntiva e células caliciformes em todos os casos. A microscopia confocal da área central da córnea mostrou alteração da estrutura normal das camadas do epitélio corneal em todos os casos. As imagens confocais da córnea mostraram a presença de células com características do epitélio conjuntival em 76,9%. Esses achados no exame confocal são compatíveis com deficiência das células-tronco do limbo. Adicionalmente, células caliciformes, metaplasia escamosa, células inflamatórias e dendríticas foram observadas. O plexo nervoso sub-basal não foi identificado em nenhum dos casos. Neovasos corneais foram observados no epitélio e no estroma. Em todos os casos havia imagens difusamente hiperreflectivas no estroma, correspondendo à opacidade do tecido. CONCLUSÕES: A deficiência das células-tronco do limbo, previamente confirmada por citologia de impressão, pôde ser demonstrada pela microscopia confocal in vivo em 76,9% dos casos através da visualização de células epiteliais da conjuntiva na córnea. Achados frequentes na microscopia confocal foram células anormais na córnea (células conjuntivais, caliciformes e inflamatórias), neovasos corneais e hiperreflexão difusa do estroma.

Comparison of culture media for ex vivo cultivation of limbal epithelial progenitor cells.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of three culture media for growth, proliferation, differentiation, and viability of ex vivo cultured limbal epithelial progenitor cells. METHODS: Limbal epithelial progenitor cell cultures were established from ten human corneal rims and grew on plastic wells in three culture media: supplemental hormonal epithelial medium (SHEM), keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM), and Epilife. The performance of culturing limbal epithelial progenitor cells in each medium was evaluated according to the following parameters: growth area of epithelial migration; immunocytochemistry for adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding cassette member 2 (ABCG2), p63, Ki67, cytokeratin 3 (CK3), and vimentin (VMT) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for CK3, ABCG2, and p63, and cell viability using Hoechst staining. RESULTS: Limbal epithelial progenitor cells cultivated in SHEM showed a tendency to faster migration, compared to KSFM and Epilife. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that proliferated cells in the SHEM had lower expression for markers related to progenitor epithelial cells (ABCG2) and putative progenitor cells (p63), and a higher percentage of positive cells for differentiated epithelium (CK3) when compared to KSFM and Epilife. In PCR analysis, ABCG2 expression was statistically higher for Epilife compared to SHEM. Expression of p63 was statistically higher for Epilife compared to SHEM and KSFM. However, CK3 expression was statistically lower for KSFM compared to SHEM. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we concluded that cells cultured in KSFM and Epilife media presented a higher percentage of limbal epithelial progenitor cells, compared to SHEM.

[Comparison between amniotic membrane with and without epithelium as a support for human limbal epithelial cells cultured ex vivo]. / Comparação entre membrana amniótica com e sem epitélio como substrato para cultura de células epiteliais do limbo ex vivo.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and ultrastructural aspects of human limbal epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane (AM) with and without epithelium. METHODS: Limbal epithelial cell cultures were established from cadaveric cor neo-scleral rim explants derived from 6 different donors. The explants from each donor were placed under 3 different groups: on human preserved AM with epithelium (Group 1), AM deepithelialized with trypsin (Group 2) and control (Group 3). The epithelial cell migration was evaluated under phase contrast microscopy. After 15 days, the amniotic membrane with cells cultures were removed and submitted to scanning and transmission electron microscopy to check for epithelial migration and adhesion. RESULTS: All epithelial cell cultures from the controls grew over the botton of the culture plate wells until reaching confluence. Epithelial cultures grew over all but one denuded amniotic membrane. In the group amniotic membrane with epithelium, epithelial cell growing was observed only in 1 well. CONCLUSIONS: Using this model, denuded amniotic membrane appeared to be the best substrate for epithelial cell migration and adhesion comparing to amniotic membrane with epithelium. Removal of amniotic membrane epithelial seems to be an important step for establishing limbal epithelial cell culture on amniotic membrane.

Comparação entre membrana amniótica com e sem epitélio como substrato para cultura de células epiteliais do limbo ex vivo / Comparison between amniotic membrane with and without epithelium as a support for human limbal epithelial cells cultured ex vivo

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e aspecto estrutural de células límbicas epiteliais humanas cultivadas sobre membrana amniótica (MA) com e sem epitélio. MÉTODOS: As culturas límbicas foram obtidas a partir de rima corneoescleral remanescentes de transplantes de córnea de 6 diferentes doadores. Cada explante foi cultivado em três diferentes grupos: MA desepitelizada por tripsina (Grupo 1), MA com epitélio íntegro (Grupo 2) e controle (Grupo 3). A migração epitelial foi avaliada por microscopia de contraste de fase. Após 15 dias, as células cultivadas sobre MA foram submetidas à microscopia eletrônica para avaliar migração e adesão epitelial. RESULTADOS: Todas as células do grupo controle cresceram até atingir confluência. Somente uma das culturas em membrana amniótica desepitelizada não apresentou crescimento epitelial. O crescimento de células epiteliais sobre membrana amniótica epitelizada foi observada em apenas uma cultura. CONCLUSÃO: Baseando-se nestes achados, o uso de membrana amniótica desepitelizada aparenta ser o melhor substrato para migração e adesão epitelial comparando com membrana amniótica epitelizada. Remover o epitélio da membrana amniótica demonstra ser um importante passo para estabelecer culturas de células sobre membrana amniótica.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and ultrastructural aspects of human limbal epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane (AM) with and without epithelium. METHODS: Limbal epithelial cell cultures were established from cadaveric cor neo-scleral rim explants derived from 6 different donors. The explants from each donor were placed under 3 different groups: on human preserved AM with epithelium (Group 1), AM deepithelialized with trypsin (Group 2) and control (Group 3). The epithelial cell migration was evaluated under phase contrast microscopy. After 15 days, the amniotic membrane with cells cultures were removed and submitted to scanning and transmission electron microscopy to check for epithelial migration and adhesion. RESULTS: All epithelial cell cultures from the controls grew over the botton of the culture plate wells until reaching confluence. Epithelial cultures grew over all but one denuded amniotic membrane. In the group amniotic membrane with epithelium, epithelial cell growing was observed only in 1 well. CONCLUSIONS: Using this model, denuded amniotic membrane appeared to be the best substrate for epithelial cell migration and adhesion comparing to amniotic membrane with epithelium. Removal of amniotic membrane epithelial seems to be an important step for establishing limbal epithelial cell culture on amniotic membrane.

Uso de células-tronco cultivadas ex vivo na reconstrução da superfície ocular / Use of stem cells cultured ex vivo for ocular surface reconstruction

Lesões na superfície ocular podem atingir as células-tronco do limbo e causar deficiência límbica. A deficiência límbica é caracterizada pela conjuntivalização, que pode ser definida como a invasão do epitélio conjuntival sobre a córnea. Este processo é acompanhado por graus variáveis de alterações corneanas, como neovascularização, inflamação, erosões recorrentes, defeitos epiteliais persistentes, destruição da membrana basal do epitélio e cicatrização estromal. Frequentemente, estas alterações estão associadas à diminuição da acuidade visual, fotofobia e desconforto ocular. O melhor tratamento para essa afecção não é conhecido e possibilidades variam em casos uni ou bilaterais. Entre os tratamentos disponíveis, o transplante de limbo autólogo ou alógeno é um dos mais utilizados. Para melhorar os resultados dos transplantes alógenos, alguns pesquisadores utilizam o transplante de epitélio da córnea cultivado em laboratório pela expansão ex vivo de células-tronco epiteliais límbicas. Mas devido à limitada disponibilidade de tecido autólogo do limbo e o risco de complicações associadas à imunossupressão em transplante de tecido alógeno, pesquisas de outras opções de células-tronco cultivadas ex vivo têm sido descritas em fase experimental e clínica. Essa revisão descreve os novos tipos de células-tronco cultivadas ex vivo, seus resultados atuais e potencialidades futuras.

Lesions on the ocular surface can destroy the stem cells from the limbus and cause limbal stem cell deficiency. The limbal stem cell deficiency is marked by conjunctivalization, which can be defined as the invasion of conjunctival epithelium over the cornea. This process is accompanied by varying degrees of corneal changes such as neovascularization, inflammation, recurrent erosions, persistent epithelial defects, destruction of basement membrane of epithelium and stromal healing. Often, these changes are associated with poor visual acuity, photophobia and ocular discomfort. The best treatment for this disease is not known and varies in unilateral or bilateral cases. Among the treatments available, transplantation of limbal autograft or allograft is one of the most used. To improve the outcome of allotransplantation, some researchers use the transplantation of corneal epithelium cultured in the laboratory by ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells, but due to limited availability of autologous tissue from the limbus and the risk of complications associated with immunosuppression in allogeneic tissue transplantation, researches of others options of stem cell cultured ex vivo have been described in experimental and clinical stage. This review describes the new types of stem cells cultured ex vivo, their current results and future potential.

[Use of stem cells cultured ex vivo for ocular surface reconstruction]. / Uso de células-tronco cultivadas ex vivo na reconstrução da superfície ocular.

Lesions on the ocular surface can destroy the stem cells from the limbus and cause limbal stem cell deficiency. The limbal stem cell deficiency is marked by conjunctivalization, which can be defined as the invasion of conjunctival epithelium over the cornea. This process is accompanied by varying degrees of corneal changes such as neovascularization, inflammation, recurrent erosions, persistent epithelial defects, destruction of basement membrane of epithelium and stromal healing. Often, these changes are associated with poor visual acuity, photophobia and ocular discomfort. The best treatment for this disease is not known and varies in unilateral or bilateral cases. Among the treatments available, transplantation of limbal autograft or allograft is one of the most used. To improve the outcome of allotransplantation, some researchers use the transplantation of corneal epithelium cultured in the laboratory by ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells, but due to limited availability of autologous tissue from the limbus and the risk of complications associated with immunosuppression in allogeneic tissue transplantation, researches of others options of stem cell cultured ex vivo have been described in experimental and clinical stage. This review describes the new types of stem cells cultured ex vivo, their current results and future potential.

[Amniotic membrane transplantation for severe acute cases of chemical ocular burn and Stevens-Johnson syndrome]. / Transplante de membrana amniótica em casos agudos graves de queimadura ocular química e síndrome de Stevens-Johnson.

PURPOSE: To study the therapeutic potential of amniotic membrane transplantation in cases of severe acute chemical ocular burn and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of eight patients, with a total of ten eyes, submitted to amniotic membrane transplantation for treatment of ocular chemical burns and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in the acute phase between January 1999 and May 2008 in the Ophthalmology Department of UNIFESP. Data relating to sex, age, degree of chemical burns, etiology, affected eye, ophthalmological findings, extension of amniotic membrane, surgeries, additional time between the injury and surgery in days, visual acuity before and after surgery, epithelial defect healing (days), complications and time of follow-up in months were collected. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 35.7 +/- 23.04 years, with six men and two women. Three patients (four eyes) had Stevens-Johnson syndrome and five patients (six eyes) had chemical ocular burn. The epithelial defect was healed at an average of 27.8 +/- 4.7 days (ranging from 20 and 35 days). All patients presented limbal stem cell deficiency in a median follow-up of 7.8 +/- 2.8 months (ranging from six and twelve months) and four eyes developed symblepharon. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the amniotic membrane transplantation represents an additive that can be carried out in the serious cases of ocular chemical burn and Stevens-Johnson syndrome with the finality of promoting the epithelialization and abolishing the inflammation and its consequences, if compared with other studies that treated similar cases with medical therapy only. On the other hand, it is not possible to avoid the limbic deficiency in these cases, which in the future will need limbal stem cell transplantation or other surgeries for correction of the ocular surface.

Transplante de membrana amniótica em casos agudos graves de queimadura ocular química e síndrome de Stevens-Johnson / Amniotic membrane transplantation for severe acute cases of chemical ocular burn and Stevens-Johnson syndrome

OBJETIVO: Investigar o potencial terapêutico do transplante de membrana amniótica nos casos agudos graves de queimadura ocular química e síndrome de Stevens-Johnson. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de oito pacientes, com um total de dez olhos, submetidos a transplante de membrana amniótica para tratamento de queimadura ocular química e síndrome de Stevens-Johnson na fase aguda entre janeiro de 1999 e maio de 2008 no Departamento de Oftalmologia da UNIFESP. Dados referentes a sexo, idade, grau da queimadura, etiologia, olho acometido, achados oftalmológicos, extensão da membrana amniótica, operações adicionais, tempo em dias entre a lesão e a cirurgia, acuidade visual antes e depois da cirurgia, defeito epitelial em dias, complicações e tempo de seguimento em meses foram coletados. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 35,7 ± 23,04 anos, dos quais seis eram homens e dois eram mulheres. Três pacientes (quatro olhos) apresentaram síndrome de Stevens-Johnson e cinco pacientes (seis olhos) apresentaram queimadura ocular química. O defeito epitelial foi cicatrizado em média de 27,8 ± 4,7 dias (variando de 20 a 35 dias). Todos os pacientes evoluíram com deficiência límbica em seguimento médio de 7,8 ± 2,8 meses (variando entre cinco e doze meses) e quatro olhos desenvolveram simbléfaro. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que o transplante de membrana amniótica representa um aditivo que pode ser realizado nos casos agudos graves de queimadura ocular química e síndrome de Stevens-Johnson com a finalidade de promover a epitelização e suprimir a inflamação e suas consequências, se comparado a outros trabalhos que trataram casos semelhantes com terapia medicamentosa somente. Por outro lado, não é capaz de evitar a deficiência límbica nesses casos, que futuramente necessitarão de transplante de células-tronco do limbo ou outras cirurgias para correção da superfície ocular.

PURPOSE: To study the therapeutic potential of amniotic membrane transplantation in cases of severe acute chemical ocular burn and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of eight patients, with a total of ten eyes, submitted to amniotic membrane transplantation for treatment of ocular chemical burns and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in the acute phase between January 1999 and May 2008 in the Ophthalmology Department of UNIFESP. Data relating to sex, age, degree of chemical burns, etiology, affected eye, ophthalmological findings, extension of amniotic membrane, surgeries, additional time between the injury and surgery in days, visual acuity before and after surgery, epithelial defect healing (days), complications and time of follow-up in months were collected. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 35.7 ± 23.04 years, with six men and two women. Three patients (four eyes) had Stevens-Johnson syndrome and five patients (six eyes) had chemical ocular burn. The epithelial defect was healed at an average of 27.8 ± 4.7 days (ranging from 20 and 35 days). All patients presented limbal stem cell deficiency in a median follow-up of 7.8 ± 2.8 months (ranging from six and twelve months) and four eyes developed symblepharon. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the amniotic membrane transplantation represents an additive that can be carried out in the serious cases of ocular chemical burn and Stevens-Johnson syndrome with the finality of promoting the epithelialization and abolishing the inflammation and its consequences, if compared with other studies that treated similar cases with medical therapy only. On the other hand, it is not possible to avoid the limbic deficiency in these cases, which in the future will need limbal stem cell transplantation or other surgeries for correction of the ocular surface.

Orbital abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis: case report.

Acute dacryocystitis usually induces preseptal infection. In rare instances the infection that is confined to the lacrimal sac can extend to the orbital contents resulting in orbital cellulitis. We present a case of intraconal abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis and review the literature of orbital cellulitis resulting from acute lacrimal sac infection.

Orbital abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis: case report / Abscesso orbitário secundário à dacriocistite aguda: relato de caso

Acute dacryocystitis usually induces preseptal infection. In rare instances the infection that is confined to the lacrimal sac can extend to the orbital contents resulting in orbital cellulitis. We present a case of intraconal abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis and review the literature of orbital cellulitis resulting from acute lacrimal sac infection.

A dacriocistite aguda comumente evolui para infecção pré-septal. Raramente a infecção localizada no saco lacrimal pode estender-se ao conteúdo orbitário resultando em celulite orbitária. Apresentamos um caso de abscesso orbitário intraconal secundário à dacriocistite aguda e uma revisão de literatura de celulite orbitária causada por infecção aguda do saco lacrimal.

Tear film and ocular surface alterations in chronic users of antiglaucoma medications.

PURPOSE: Tear film can be altered by chronic medications that may disrupt the equilibrium responsible for the functioning of the lacrimal gland and ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to determine if antiglaucomatous chronic treatment induced alterations in the tear film and ocular surface. METHODS: After informed consent, 21 patients using antiglaucomatous eye drops for more than 8 months and 20 age- and sex-matched volunteers without eye and systemic medications (control group) were enrolled. The data of ocular discomfort, fluorescein and lisamine green staining, tear film break-up time and Schirmer test were collected and compared by Student's t test. The impression cytology data were graded and compared by chi-square test. RESULTS: Patients chronically using antiglaucomatous medications presented with significant higher fluorescein staining (p=0.003), lisamine green staining (p=0.02) and lower TFBUT (p=0.001). The other compared parameters, including impression cytology were similar between the treated and control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the tear film and the ocular surface are altered in patients under antiglaucomatous medications. In common, all medications were preserved with benzalkonium chloride. Efforts to minimize the adverse effects of chronic use of antiglaucomatous drugs must be addressed.

Tear film and ocular surface alterations in chronic users of antiglaucoma medications

PURPOSE: Tear film can be altered by chronic medications that may disrupt the equilibrium responsible for the functioning of the lacrimal gland and ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to determine if antiglaucomatous chronic treatment induced alterations in the tear film and ocular surface. METHODS: After informed consent, 21 patients using antiglaucomatous eye drops for more than 8 months and 20 age- and sex-matched volunteers without eye and systemic medications (control group) were enrolled. The data of ocular discomfort, fluorescein and lisamine green staining, tear film break-up time and Schirmer test were collected and compared by Student's t test. The impression cytology data were graded and compared by chi-square test. RESULTS: Patients chronically using antiglaucomatous medications presented with significant higher fluorescein staining (p=0.003), lisamine green staining (p=0.02) and lower TFBUT (p=0.001). The other comparedparameters, including impression cytology were similar between the treated and control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the tear film and the ocular surface are altered in patients under antiglaucomatous medications. In common, all medications were preserved with benzalkonium chloride. Efforts to minimize the adverse effects of chronic use of antiglaucomatous drugs must be addressed.

OBJETIVO: O filme lacrimal pode ser alterado por medicações crônicas, que podem comprometer o equilíbrio responsável pela função da glândula lacrimal e da superfície ocular. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar se o tratamento crônico com drogas antiglaucomatosas induz alterações no filme lacrimal e superfície ocular. MÉTODOS: Após o consentimento informado, 21 pacientes usando drogas antiglaucomatosas por mais de 8 meses e 20 voluntários com similar distribuição etária e por sexo, não usuários de medicação ocular ou sistêmica (grupo controle) foram incluídos. Os dados do desconforto ocular, coloração com fluoresceína e lissamina verde, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal e teste de Schirmer foram colhidos e analisados pelo teste t de Student. A citologia de impressão foi avaliada e comparada pelo teste de qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Pacientes usando cronicamente medicação antiglaucomatosa apresentaram ignificativamente maior coloração por fluoresceína (p=0,003), lissamina verde (p=0,02) e menor TRFL (p=0,001). Os outros parâmetros comparados, incluindo a citologia de impressão foram similares entre o grupo tratado e controle (p>0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Esse estudo demonstra que o filme lacrimal e a superfície ocular estão alterados em usuários de medicação antiglaucomatosa. Essas medicações apresentam em comum o cloreto de benzalcônio como conservante. Esforços para minimizar efeitos adversos do uso crônico de drogas antiglaucomatosas devem ser considerados.