Effects of Topical Coenzyme Q10 in Conjunction with Vitamin E on Tear Function Tests in Glaucoma Patients: Retrospective Study

ABS TRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of topical coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E combination on tear function tests in glaucoma patients. Material and Methods: A combination drop of CoQ10 and vitamin E was inserted to one eye of 28 patients with glaucoma who have been using antiglaucomatous drops. The eyes that received the CoQ10 and vitamin E constituted the study group, and other eyes were part of the control group. Baseline, sixth, and twelfth-month tear function tests of the groups were evaluated. Results: Baseline values of Schirmer’s test, tear meniscus, tear break-up time test, and corneal fluorescein staining did not significantly differ between the groups. When all values at baseline, six, and twelve months were compared, no difference was found in the study group, while a statistically significant decrease was observed in the mean of tear meniscus areas and tear meniscus depths in the control group (p=0.038, p=0.041, respectively). Conclusion: Although CoQ10 and vitamin E combination may positively eaffect tear function tests in patients with glaucoma, this effect was not statistically significant. Further studies with larger patient groups may help reveal the effects of these agents on glaucoma patients.