Which drug is associated with pigment deposition on the conjunctiva?

• A. Tetracycline family
• B. Prostaglandins
• C. Isotretinoin
• D. NSAIDs

Answer: (A)

Pigment deposition on the conjunctiva is a known effect of certain systemic drugs, most classically the tetracycline family, especially with long-term use. Minocycline and related tetracyclines can accumulate in ocular tissues, including the conjunctiva and sclera, leading to slate-gray to brown pigment patches that are usually benign but may be permanent.

Other drugs listed don’t typically produce this conjunctival pigment deposition: prostaglandin analogs mainly cause changes such as iris pigmentation and eyelash growth with less characteristic conjunctival pigment deposition; isotretinoin is more associated with dry eye and surface irritation; NSAIDs can cause surface irritation but not pigment deposition in the conjunctiva.