CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA AND ANTERIOR UVEITIS ASSOCIATED WITH LATANOPROST USE - EXPERIENCE AND INCIDENCE IN A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 94 PATIENTS

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of cystoid ma cular edema and anterior uveitis associated: with the use of latanopro st. Design: A retrospective review of patients treated with latanopros t in the authors' practice between September 1, 1996, and August 1, 19 97, was performed. Participants: Ninety-four patients and 163 eyes wer e studied. Intervention: Patients presenting with signs and symptoms o f ocular inflammation while receiving latanoprost were noted, and thei r response to the discontinuation of the drug was recorded. Main Outco me Measures: The presence and degree of anterior uveitis and cystoid m acular edema were measured. Results: Six (6.4%) of 94 patients (8 [4.9 %] of 163 eyes) had anterior uveitis develop, and 2 (2.1%) of 94 patie nts (2 [1.2%] of 163 eyes) had cystoid macular edema develop while bei ng treated with latanoprost. Conclusion: Although latanoprost is an ef fective ocular-hypotensive agent, the authors' experience with the dru g has shown a significant incidence of anterior uveitis and cystoid ma cular edema. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to rep ort the incidence of both cystoid macular edema and anterior uveitis a ssociated with latanoprost therapy, Treating physicians should be awar e of these potential complicating side effects of latanoprost.