Glaucoma Survey: Half Unaware of Preservative-Free Beta-Blocker, Ophthalmologists Cite Benefits of Preservative-Free Medications on Ocular Comfort and Quali...( LAWRENCEVILLE N.J. April 6 /- In a re...),Health

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent survey of ophthalmologists across the nation, virtually all (97%) believe preservative-free glaucoma medications can enhance the ocular comfort of glaucoma patients, while 86% believe that preservative-free glaucoma medications can enhance patient quality of life. Nine out of ten (89%) feel there are not enough preservative-free glaucoma medications available, and nearly half (47%) do not know a preservative-free beta-blocker is available.

The survey respondents acknowledged problems that can be caused by the preservatives in glaucoma medications, including ocular surface disease such as dry eye, and the impact of preservatives on medication tolerance and patient compliance. Three-quarters (73%) report the presence of preservatives does impact their decision-making process for a glaucoma therapy.

"Clinicians believe that the long term use of glaucoma medications with preservatives has been associated with ocular surface disease," explained William Trattler, M.D., Director of Cornea at the Center of Excellence in Eyecare in Miami and the survey author. "Clearly, more preservative-free glaucoma medication options are needed."

Problems Associated with Medication Preservatives

Three-quarters of the ophthalmologists surveyed (70%) report the preservatives in glaucoma medications are a significant cause of the ocular surface disease they see in glaucoma patients. Most believe each of the following is related to the preservatives in glaucoma medications: ocular surface disease (83%), conjunctival inflammation (75%), allergic reactions (71%) and dry eye (67%). Most believe that the ocular surface problems exacerbated by preserved glaucoma medications are a major cause of medication intolerance (67%) and poor compliance (62%).

Six out of ten of the ophthalmologists (60%) would prefer to prescribe glaucoma medications with n
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