ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the change of intraocular pressure (IOP) after first and second injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of macular edema and the factors that influence these changes. METHODS: A prospective, non-comparative study was performed in 41 eyes at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital from October 2003 to November 2005. All of the patients received injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg) twice. The IOPs before and after triamcinolone injection were measured with non-contact tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometer. RESULTS: Mean IOP after the first and second injections were elevated from the day after injection and peaked after 3 months. Younger age (p=0.042), male (p=0.050) and the history of IOP elevation after first injection (p=0.004) were a statistically significant predictive factor for IOP elevation after second injection. Younger age (p=0.000) and male (p=0.010) were a significant predictive factor for IOP elevation after first and second injection. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider checking IOP especially for the patients who with the history of IOP elevation after first injection, male and relatively younger age.