Ocular skin diseases: Also consider glaucoma drops
Older patients in particular often suffer from glaucoma and are treated with eye drops. Like almost every medication, these may also have undesirable effects.
The Ophthalmology Blog
By Dr Jennifer Moore
What are the consequences of eye drops for the skin?
- Most skin symptoms associated with glaucoma eye drops are localised.
- Prostaglandin analogues are frequent triggers for dermatological side effects.
- Systemic skin disorders are also possible.
- Eye drops should be considered as a cause of new skin disorders.
Which local symptoms can be triggered by eye drops?
The current literature search (DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17928) analysed data from 123 studies and came to the conclusion that mainly prostaglandin analogues led to dermatological side effects. The symptoms are mostly limited to the eye region. The most common symptoms are:
- Contact dermatitis
- Hyperpigmentation
- Periorbitopathy
- Mucous membrane pemphigoid
- Loss of eyelashes colour
- Hypertrichosis
- Malignant melanoma (very rare)
- Skin depigmentation
Can systemic skin diseases occur?
Yes, according to the study, systemic skin diseases are also possible as a result of treatment with glaucoma eye drops. These include:
- Psoriasis
- Excessive sweating
- Lichen planus
- Alopecia
- Toxic necrolysis of the epidermis
- Erythema multiforme
- Erythroderma
- Subacute cutaneous lupus
- Nail discolouration
- Bullous pemphigoid
How often do adverse dermatological effects occur?
Systemic skin disorders, as a result of eye drops for glaucoma treatment are very rare, but not impossible. Local symptoms, on the other hand, are somewhat more common. Doctors should always consider ocular medication as a possible trigger for newly occurring skin disorders. According to the study authors, a change in glaucoma medication is often more effective in treating dermatological problems than intensified treatment of skin diseases.
Skin changes due to eye drops
Eye drops, especially prostaglandin analogues, should be considered as triggers for new skin changes - for both local and systemic diseases. This applies for older patients in particular. If necessary, a change in therapy can then be discussed in collaboration with the treating ophthalmologist. In most cases, this leads to better results than intensified dermatological therapy.
- Patchinsky A, Petitpain N, Gillet P, Angioi-Duprez K, Schmutz JL, Bursztejn AC. Dermatological adverse effects of anti-glaucoma eye drops: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 May;36(5):661-670. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17928. Epub 2022 Feb 11. PMID: 35032359.