Serous macular detachments associated with topical travoprost

Abstract

Here is presented a unique case of bilateral serous macular detachments as a side effect of topical travoprost (0.004%) therapy. Only three other cases in the literature have definitively associated this side effect with other topical prostaglandins. The aetiological and pathophysiological pathways remain to be clearly elucidated but are potentially related to increased choroidal vascular permeability. In this case, the subretinal fluid resolved rapidly and completely after cessation of travoprost drops, showing it to be a reversible pathology similar to prostaglandin-associated cystoid macular oedema. This uncommon association is therefore important to consider in the differential diagnosis of serous macular detachment. Increasing ophthalmic awareness could help to prevent unnecessary investigations in undifferentiated patients without other guiding historical or examination features. This may save time and expense for the patient and health systems.