A case of cystoid macular edema associated with latanoprost ophthalmic solution

Background: Although there have been reports of adverse effects after use, it is unclear whether latanoprost ophthalmic solution contributes to the development of cystoid macular edema (CME). Case: A 71-year-old man underwent lens extraction, the insertion of an intraocular lens, and vitrectomy for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with lens subluxation in the left eye. After the surgery, antiglaucoma ophthalmic solutions controlled IOP well for over a year, maintaining good visual acuity with no abnormalities in the fundus. Observations: Two months after the previously prescribed antiglaucoma ophthalmic solutions were replaced by latanoprost, the patient's visual acuity decreased and CME developed. When latanoprost was replaced by other antiglaucoma ophthalmic solutions for controlling IOP, CME disappeared and visual acuity returned to the base level. Conclusions: Latanoprost may be involved in the development of CME. Patients who have undergone vitreous surgery or those with aphakia should be carefully observed for the possible development of CME associated with the use of latanoprost, even a long time after surgery. (C) 2002 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.