Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE

To analyze the incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation following intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

Charts of patients undergoing intravitreal triamcinolone injection in one clinical practice were reviewed. A pressure elevation was defined as a pressure of 24 mm Hg or higher during follow-up.

RESULTS

There were 89 patients with a mean age of 76.4 years. The mean baseline IOP was 14.9 mm Hg with a mean change of 8.0 mm Hg. Thirty-six patients (40.4%) experienced a pressure elevation to 24 mm Hg or higher at a mean of 100.6 days (SD = 83.1 day) after treatment. Of nonglaucomatous patients with baseline IOP of 15 mm Hg or above, 60.0% experienced a pressure elevation, compared with only 22.7% of those with baseline pressures below 15 mm Hg (relative risk = 2.1, P < .01). In glaucoma patients, 6 of 12 (50%) experienced a pressure elevation, and this elevation was not correlated with baseline pressure. Thirty-two patients (36.0%) received repeat injections, and there was no difference in the incidence of procedure elevation in patients receiving multiple injections versus those receiving a single injection. Pressure elevation was controlled with topical medications in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IOP elevation after intravitreal triamcinolone injection is common and may take an extended period of time to manifest. The proportion of patients who developed a pressure elevation to at least 24 mm Hg was much higher for those with baseline IOP 15 mm Hg or greater.