This study is a systematic review that compared the efficacy and safety of BAK-preserved eye-drops with AP and PF eye-drops.
3 online databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. Studies on prostaglandin analog or beta-blocker eye-drops and patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were included. The primary outcome was a change in IOP. Secondary outcomes were safety measures as assessed in the original study.
433 articles were screened, 16 studies were included. IOP meta-analysis was conducted on 13 studies ranging from 15 days to 6 months. No significant differences between BAK versus PF and AP were identified. Meta-analyses revealed no differences between BAK versus AP and PF with regards to conjunctival hyperemia, ocular hyperemia, total ocular adverse events or tear break-up time. Diverse reporting on safety measures made comparison challenging. Risk of bias was assessed as high or unclear in many relevant domains, suggesting potential selective reporting or under-reporting.
The study concluded that no clinically significant differences on efficacy or safety could be determined between BAK versus AP and PF. However, there were substantial uncertainties on safety.
Reference: https://bjo.bmj.com/content/104/11/1512
