The Effect of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide on Intraocular Pressure

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To Investigate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the risk factors for its elevation. METHODS: This retrospective case study comprised 25 patients (26 eyes) with diabetic macular edema and 7 (7 eyes) with retinal edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion. The IOPs before and after intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide (postoperative 2 hours, 1 day, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and 6 months) were recorded by Goldmann applanation tonometer. RESULTS: The average time to maximum IOP was 3.9 weeks and the difference of maximum post-injection IOP and pre-injection IOP was statistically significant (P<0.0001). IOP at post-injection 2 hours and 8 weeks was elevated significantly (p=0.01 and p=0.028, respectively). During follow up of 6 months, 8 eyes (24.24%) demonstrated an increase in IOP of 5 mmHg or greater, and 4 eyes (12.12%) of 10 mmHg or greater. IOP was more elevated in BRVO, younger age (< 60years) and males. All eyes responded to topical glaucoma medication. CONCLUSIONS: Transient IOP elevation can develop after intravitreal triamcinolone injection, especially from 4 to 8 weeks. Patients with risk factors for the elevation of IOP should be observed closely.