AIM: To evaluate the effects induced by topical antiglaucomatous drugs, Travoprost eyedrops on tear film.

METHODS: Eighteen patients(32 eyes)with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were all treated with Travoprost eyedrops once every night. The symptom score, Schirmer's test(SⅠt), corneal fluorescein staining(FL), tear film break-up time(BUT), were observed before the treatment and 1, 2 and 3mo after the treatment.

RESULTS: The average symptom score, FL of all patients were 1.34±1.56 and 0.44±0.73 before the treatment, and 2.75±1.63, 1.08±0.84; 5.10±1.68, 1.53±0.67; 6.33±1.40, 1.98±0.50 respectively after 1, 2 and 3mo of the treatment. There was significant increase in symptom score and FL after the treatment for 1, 2 and 3mo(P=0.00). The average BUT, SⅠt of all patients were(7.76±0.92s),(8.47±2.73mm/5min)before the treatment, and(7.08±1.15s),(7.73±3.44mm/5min);(5.59±1.33s),(6.82±3.05mm/5min);(4.29±1.87s),(6.04±3.15mm/5min)respectively after 1, 2 and 3mo of the treatment. There was significant decrease in BUT and ST after the treatment for 1, 2 and 3mo(P=0.00).

CONCLUSION: Travoprost eyedrops can obviously aggravate patients' corneal irritation after treatment. Our results show abnormal decreased tear secretion and stability of tear film induced by Travoprost eyedrops over the short term.