Intraocular Pressure Elevation after 0.7 mg Intravitreal Dexamethasone (Ozurdex(R)) Implantation: A One Year Follow-Up

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the percentage and time of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and the factors influencing IOP elevation and treatment. METHODS: Thirty patients (33 eyes) who received intravitreal dexamethasone implantation from July 2012 to December 2013 and followed up more than 1 year were evaluated by measuring Goldmann IOP and confirming changes in IOP. The definition of IOP elevation was IOP above 20 mm Hg or IOP increase greater than 6 mm Hg. RESULTS: In 16 eyes (48.5%), IOP was elevated after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation. The first IOP elevation was mean 2.0 +/- 0.7 months. In 21 eyes which received intravitreal dexamethasone implantation more than twice, the mean intervals of implantation were 4.5 months. In steroid responders, IOP after dexamethasone implantation was significantly increased at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 months. IOP increase in the treated eye was significant at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 months after dexamethasone implantation. CONCLUSIONS: After intravitreal dexamethasone implantation, IOP was highest at 2 months. Additionally, IOP was elevated in approximately half of the patients (48.5%). Although the intravitreal dexamethasone implantation is effective against various diseases which occur due to macular edema, thorough identification of suitable patients and frequent IOP control is necessary for long-term treatment.