Iris and periocular adverse reactions to bimatoprost in Japanese patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Kenji Inoue¹, Minako Shiokawa¹, Michitaka Sugahara¹, Risako Higa¹, Masato Wakakura¹, Goji Tomita^2
1Inouye Eye Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; ²Second Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Purpose: To prospectively investigate adverse reactions to bimatoprost in Japanese patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. We also examined patient attitudes to adverse reactions via a questionnaire.
Methods: Fifty-two Japanese patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were enrolled. Iridial, eyelid, and eyelash photographs were taken before and at 6 months after bimatoprost treatment. Increase in eyelid pigmentation, iridial pigmentation, eyelash growth and bristle, and vellus hair of the lid was assessed from the photographs. Questionnaires completed by patients provided insight into their subjective judgment of adverse reactions.
Results: Increase in eyelash bristle (53.8%), iris pigmentation (50.0%), eyelash growth (46.2%), vellus hair of the lid (40.4%), and eyelid pigmentation (7.7%) was evident after bimatoprost treatment. The objective and subjective assessments were in agreement in terms of increase in eyelash bristle, eyelash growth, and increase in vellus hair of the lid.
Conclusion: Most patients were conscious of these adverse reactions. Before administering bimatoprost, sufficient explanation of potential adverse reactions should be provided; after initiating treatment, careful observation is required.

Keywords: bimatoprost, adverse reaction, eyelid pigmentation, changes in eyelashes, iris pigmentation