Hypertrichosis and Hyperpigmentation in the Periocular Area Associated with Travoprost Treatment
January 2015
in “
Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology
”
TLDR Using travoprost for glaucoma may cause extra hair growth and darker skin around the eyes, but these effects can reverse after stopping the drug.
A 53-year-old Korean man with open-angle glaucoma developed hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation in the periocular area after switching from latanoprost to travoprost. These adverse effects, including increased eyelash growth, appeared within 3 months of starting travoprost and improved 6 months after discontinuation. The study suggested that travoprost might have a stronger influence on hair growth and melanogenesis than latanoprost due to its higher potency in activating the prostaglandin F receptor. Physicians should be aware of these potential reversible side effects to manage patient treatment compliance effectively.
