Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of benzalkonium chloride-preserved, alternatively preserved and preservative-free eyedrops in the treatment of glaucoma.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The primary therapeutic approach to glaucoma involves the long-term use of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering eyedrops. However, the prevalent use of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative in glaucoma eyedrops has been associated with ocular side effects, prompting a demand for alternatively preserved (AP) or preservative-free (PF) eyedrops. Studies comparing various preservatives have shown conflicting evidence concerning the safety of BAK-preserved (BP) eyedrops, some studies indicating no notable concerns and others reporting adverse effects. The current protocol concerns a network meta-analysis enabling systematic investigation of the IOP-lowering efficacy and safety profiles of BP, AP and PF eyedrops in patients with glaucoma for whom randomised controlled

SUBMITTER: Kim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11865778 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature