Background: In light of concern about the possible relation between the extensive clinical use of prostaglandin analogues and the development of retinal disorders such as cystoid macular edema, this study investigated the influence of topical application of bimatoprost 0.03% on macular thickness and volume in glaucoma patients with phakic eyes.
Methods: A total of 40 eyes in 22 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or normal-tension glaucoma were evaluated in this study. Optical coherence tomography images were taken before initiation of bimatoprost application and after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment. In addition, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured, and contrast sensitivity tests and fundus examinations were performed. Changes in various parameters, including macular thickness and volume, were analyzed.
Results: BCVA and contrast sensitivity did not change from baseline over the treatment period. IOP declined by 20% to 25% from baseline for 1 month before stabilizing. Macular thickness and volume did not increase significantly during the 3 months.
Interpretation: Topical application of bimatoprost does not induce clinical or structural changes in the macula, at least in glaucoma patients with phakic eyes. Moreover, bimatoprost effectively lowered IOP without causing macular disorders such as cystoid macular edema.