Frequency and management of raised intraocular pressure following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency and management of intraocular pressure [IOP] elevation following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide [IVTA]. Case series. Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology/Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi, from May 2007 to May 2008. In this study, 198 eyes of 150 patients requiring IVTA injection, were included. Pre-injection assessment comprised of detailed history, general and ocular examination including anterior and posterior segment examination with IOP measurements with Goldmann tonometer. After informed consent, IVTA 4 mg/0.1 ml was injected through pars plana and IOP was measured at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months and if raised, treated accordingly. Out of 150 patients, 82 were male [54.7%] and 68 were female [45.3%] [M F = 1.2 1]. Mean age was 50.61 +/- 10.59 years. Raised IOP value after IVTA, higher than 21 mmHg was observed at one week in 28 eyes [14.1%], at 1 month in 48 eyes [24.2%], at 3 months in 76 eyes [38.4%] and at 6 months in 25 eyes [12.6%]. Raised IOP was controlled by topical beta blockers alone or in combination with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in 58 eyes [76.3%]. Elevation of IOP after IVTA injection occurred in 76 eyes [38.3%]. It may take an extended period of time to manifest raised IOP. In majority of the patients, raised IOP was managed with topical medications