Objective: To compare the shortterm effects of preservative-free and preserved 0.15% brimonidine tartrate on intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular surface in glaucoma patients.

Material and Method: Forty eyes of 20 patients who were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma in our clinic, had no previous treatment and had no ocular surface disease were included in the study. The first group were started on 0.15% brimonidine tartrate without preservatives, and the second group were started on 0.15% brimonidine tartrate with preservatives. IOP, corneal and ocular surface staining score (Oxford Scale), tear break-up time (BUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and tear meniscus height were evaluated at the first admission of the patients and at the 6th-month follow-up after the initiation of drug therapy.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.21±9.29 years. The mean IOP before and after treatment were measured as 21.30±1.72, 20.70±1.69 and 16.35±0.88 mmHg, 15.75±1.65 mmHg, OSDI scores 16.39±8.17, 16.41±8.12 and 28.938.97, 35.05±16.05, respectively. Average BUT 18.603.69, 18.65±3.64 and 13.25±2.38, 11.454.08 sec, average ocular surface staining was 0.20±0.25, 0.180.15 and 0.20±0.41, 0.60±0.68. Mean meniscus height was 320.23±73.94, 315.72±85.92 and 295.24125.12, 285.75±138.45 micrometers. When the first and sixth month results of both groups were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in IOP and ocular surface findings (p <0.05). When the two groups were compared at the sixth-month, there was only a statistically significant difference on the Oxford scale (p <0.05).

Conclusion:Preservative-free anti-glaucomatous therapy may be preferred in glaucoma patients to reduce symptoms related to ocular surface problems, increase effective IOP control and drug compliance.