Preventing Cosmetical Side–Effect of Prostamide Topical Therapy

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a method for preventing hypertricosis and periocular skin pigmentation during Bimatoprost topical therapy. Methods: Twenty eyes of 10 glaucomatous or ocular hypertensive subjects never previously treated with topical prostamide or prostaglandins analogs were selected for this prospective, randomized, single masked, internally controlled clinical study. After adequate wash–out from previous topical medications, subjects started Bimatoprost 0.03% topical therapy in both eyes and were instructed to selectively wipe one randomly–selected eye (eye1) with a highly adsorbent pad during drops administrations. Eye2 acted as a control for the first 3 months. Eyelashes growth was evaluated at each visit by means of tricograms. Hypertricosis and skin pigmentation were assessed by Dermoscan (High Resolution Contact digital photography) performed on the lower eyelid and peri–cantal skin. At month 3 subjects were instructed to start wiping both eyes and a final visit was scheduled after 3 more months. Digital images were evaluated by two independent masked investigators. Results: Baseline eyelashes length was similar among eye1 and eye2 (eye1 8.4±1.0 mm, eye2 8.8±1.2 mm, p=0.4). At month 3 eyelashes were significantly longer in the unwiped eye (eye1 +19%, eye2 +29%, p=0.045). At month 6, after 3 months of wiping both eyes, eye2 showed a trend of reversal of eyelashes length (–5,6%) while eye1 remained stable (+0,5%). By comparing Dermoscan photos, hypertricosis and skin pigmentation seem to show a similar reversal trend to eyelashes growth. Conclusions: Bimatoprost–related eyelashes growth and periocular skin changes may be controlled by reducing the drop–skin contact.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications