5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Glaucoma patients have a higher prevalence of ocular surface disease (OSD), often exacerbated by topical therapies containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK).

• 2

  Ophthalmologists should routinely inquire about ocular surface symptoms in glaucoma patients to improve their quality of life and explore alternative therapies.

• 3

  Effective treatment options for OSD include artificial tears, topical cyclosporine, and reducing drop burden through laser trabeculoplasty or minimally invasive surgery.

• 4

  Preventing OSD in glaucoma patients involves minimizing exposure to BAK by choosing preservative-free medications and considering laser treatments.

• 5

  The availability of preservative-free drops has increased, providing more options for glaucoma patients, although insurance coverage remains a challenge.