Lower Eyelid Horizontal Tightening in Prostaglandin Associated Periorbitopathy.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of chronic topical use of prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma on lower eyelid tension.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study was performed. Lower eyelid tension was measured in a group of glaucoma patients (73 eyelids) using prostaglandin analogs and a paired control group (87 eyelids). Seven glaucoma patients with unilateral use of prostaglandin analogs had the lower eyelid tension of the exposed side compared with the contralateral eyelid. Eyelid tension was digitally measured in photographs in neutral position and after manual downward traction in the center of the eyelid (modified distraction test). Duration of drug exposition, age, use of other topical medication and other prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy signs as long eyelashes, eyelid hyperemia, eyelid pigmentation, and deepening of upper eyelid sulcus were recorded for analysis.

RESULTS

Mean lower eyelid tension in prostaglandin group was significantly higher than in control group: distraction 5.26 mm (SD 1.52) versus 6.80 mm (SD 1.29) (p < 0.001). On the unilateral prostaglandin use intragroup comparison, mean lower eyelid distraction in prostaglandin side was 4.24 mm (SD 1.80) and in control side was 6.79 mm (SD 1.63) (p < 0.012). Beta blocker and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor concomitant use was associated with lower eyelid tension measures in prostaglandin users. Presence of long eyelashes was associated with higher eyelid tension. All other measured variables did not demonstrate interaction with eyelid tension.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic topical use of prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma is associated with lower eyelid tightening.