Eyelid and eyelash changes due to prostaglandin analog therapy in unilateral treatment cases

To investigate the incidence of adverse effects on eyelids and eyelashes related to treatment with prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) in patients who apply the medication in only one eye.

A clinical examination of 39 glaucoma patients treated for over 3 months continuously in one eye with one of four PGAs. Face photographs were used to judge adverse effects of PGA treatment on eyelids and eyelashes of the treated eyes by comparing them with the eyelids and eyelashes of the contralateral eyes. Each of three examiners then calculated scores for the eyelids and eyelashes by counting how many adverse effects were present (out of five possible effects for eyelids and two for eyelashes). The findings for the eyelids or eyelashes were considered "positive" if two or more examiners judged that at least one adverse effect was present.

Thirty-five (89.7 %) patients were judged to have positive eyelid findings and 37 (94.9 %) patients were judged to have positive eyelash findings. There was a significant correlation between the period of PGA administration and eyelid score (P = 0.0218).

There was a high incidence of adverse effects caused by PGAs in the eyelids and eyelashes. The frequency of adverse effects of the eyelid seemed to increase as the use of PGAs was prolonged. The cosmetic complications caused by PGA use should be considered, and patients should be informed of them in advance.