---

HOME -- CME PROJECTS --CE PROJECTS ---ADVISORY BOARD-- POLICIES & PROCEDURES --- EDUCATION PARTNERS--- EYECARE EDUCATORS--

---

Back to Index Dry Eye & Glaucoma Therapeutics Glaucoma is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in both developed and developing countries. Treatment for glaucoma consists of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) to an acceptable target range to prevent further optic nerve damage. Typically, this involved the use of one or more topical IOP-lowering agents. Because glaucoma is a chronic condition, patients who begin taking ocular antihypertensive medication may continue on medication for the remainder of their lives. While ocular hypertensives effectively lower IOP, they have side effects that need to addressed. The most common of these is ocular surface disease produced by exposure to the preservatives in patients’ glaucoma drops, particularly benzalkonium chloride (BAK). BAK toxicity has been addressed in a number of ways, including palliatives, anti-inflammatory medications, and efforts to reduce patient exposure. Within the last few years, a number of new agents and strategies have been developed to prevent or minimize side effects from the preservatives, particularly BAK, in glaucoma medications. This CME activity will review those new products and strategies for clinicians, especially those clinicians who treat glaucoma but are not themselves glaucoma specialists and therefore may not stay abreast of the specialized glaucoma literature. Dry Eye and Glaucoma seeks to offer strategies for reducing ocular surface symptoms in patients who receive topical ocular hyperintensive medications on a chronic basis. Educational Design Dry Eye and Glaucoma will explore the ocular surface complications of medical therapy in glaucoma. Highly clinically oriented, each installment will offer a two-part presentation: a case study provided by a glaucoma specialist and a related discussion by a cornea specialist on preservative toxicity, its treatment and prevention. In addition, each installment would feature a box discussing a closely related issue, such as the pathophysiology of ocular surface irritation, means of addressing ocular surface irritation, preservative issues in topical ophthalmic medication, etc. Each installment will consist of 1. Case presentation: the case history, photos, patient commentary and complaint, work-up and diagnosis 2. Treatment: review of options, rationale for chosen course 3. Results and Discussion: Photos, patient comment, physician comment, case specifics, impact of condition and its resolution for glaucoma therapy 4. Background Box Dry Eye and Glaucoma has been produced as an independent Continuing Medical Education enduring material, sponsored by Alcon. Learning Objectives: Discuss ocular surface complications related to chronic instillation of preserved ocular antihypertensive medications. List strategies for reducing the load of preservatives to which glaucoma patients are exposed. Faculty: Malik Kahook, MD; Francis Mah, MD; Robert Noecker, MD; Stephen C. Pflugfelder, MD; Ronald Gross, MD; Terrence O'Brien, MD; Donald Budenz, MD, MPH; Richard Davidson, MD View Faculty Bios     Case 1: Elimination of Benzalkonium Chloride Reduces Dry Eye Symptoms February 2008             Case 2: BAK Exposure Can Be Reduced Without Compromise to IOP March 2008             Case 3: A History of Broad Intolerance to Glaucoma Medications April 2008             Case 4: Dry Eye Disease Exacerbated by BAK-Preserved Glaucoma Medication May 2008