Iridial pigmentation induced by latanoprost ophthalmic solution in Japanese glaucoma patients

Purpose: To investigate the incidence of iridial pigmentation induced by la tanoprost ophthalmic solution in Japanese glaucoma patients by a prospectiv e and observer-masked study. Patients and Methods: Sixty-nine eyes of 69 glaucoma patients were included . Patients who had undergone intraocular surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, an d laser iridotomy within 12 months before enrollment, and patients with his tory of uveitis and any changes in antiglaucoma drugs within 6 months befor e enrollment were excluded. Iridial photographs were taken by one examiner under the same conditions at 1, 3, and 6 months after the initiation of lat anoprost treatment. Three glaucoma specialists, masked of patient informati on, independently assessed the iridial pigmentation. Cases with iridial pig mentation diagnosed by three specialists were categorized as showing a defi nite increase in iridial pigmentation. Results: A definite increase in iridial pigmentation occurred in 3.5%, 9.7% , and 35.0% of eyes within 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment, respectively. A ge, gender, or concomitantly used eyedrops did not significantly influence the incidence of iridial pigmentation within 6 months of instillation. A re duction of intraocular pressure by latanoprost did not differ significantly between patients with and without iridial pigmentation. Conclusion: The incidence of iridial pigmentation by latanoprost ophthalmic solution in Japanese patients was higher than previously reported values i n pigmented races.