The paradox of treatment: Ciliary effusion induced by travoprost - A case report

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2026 Jun 23:43:102620. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2026.102620. eCollection 2026 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: This case highlights a rare association between prostaglandin analog therapy and isolated ciliary body effusion.

Observations: Travoprost is a topical prostaglandin analog frequently prescribed as an intraocular pressure-lowering agent. We report the case of an 84-year-old pseudophakic female with primary open-angle glaucoma who developed ciliary effusion after long-term travoprost use. Patient reported decreased vision in her left eye over two weeks. Ophthalmological examination revealed decreased visual acuity, myopic shift, shallowed anterior chamber, and increased intraocular pressure in the left eye. Fundoscopy was unremarkable. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed presumed ciliary body effusion with anterior displacement of the iris-intraocular lens complex. Significant resolution occurred within one week after discontinuing travoprost.

Conclusions and importance: Isolated ciliary effusion should be recognized as a rare adverse effect of travoprost, with drug discontinuation playing both diagnostic and therapeutic roles.

Keywords: Ciliary effusion; Side effect; Travoprost.

Publication types

  • Case Reports