Brimonidine Induced Anterior Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To present the largest series reported so far of brimonidine induced granulomatous anterior uveitis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with chronic glaucoma on treatment with brimonidine presenting with anterior uveitis.

RESULTS

19 eyes of 12 patients with chronic glaucoma developed anterior uveitis with granulomatous keratic precipitates after being treated with brimonidine for periods of 7 days to 5 years (mean 19.7 months, +18.6 months). One patient had a gap of 1 year between onset in one eye and onset in the other. Ten eyes (52.6%) had concurrent granulomatous conjunctivitis; 16 eyes were pseudophakic. Stopping brimonidine led to complete, rapid resolution of uveitis in all patients, in most cases (11 eyes, 58%) without topical corticosteroids. No recurrences have occurred after withdrawal of brimonidine, over a follow-up period of 12-52 months (mean 27.9 months, +13.8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmologists should be aware of this easily reversible uveitis syndrome that is induced by a common glaucoma medication. Familiarity with this entity is essential in making the correct diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary investigations and interventions.