The Long-Term Observation of Intraocular Pressure after Intravitreal Injections of Bevacizumab, Triamcinolone, and Combination of Both

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the onset and frequency of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after injections of intravitreal Bevacizumab, Triamcinolone, and a combination of both drugs. METHODS: Patients were classified into three groups Bevacizumab group (group A), Triamcinolone group (group B), and combined drug group (group C), irrespective of the underlying causes. The IOP was measured 30 minutes prior to followed by one day, one week, one month, two months, three months, six months, and one year after injection. The measured IOP at each time point was compared with the pre-injection IOP and the differences in IOP among the three groups were statistically analyzed. The relationships between various factors possible of increasing IOP were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 259 subjects were enrolled in the present study. An IOP increase of more than 5 mm Hg was observed in 25 eyes (15%) in group A, 34 eyes (40%) in group B, and 40 eyes (50%) in group C. There was no statistically significant mean IOP change after injection in group A, but in groups B and C there was an increase in mean IOP up until two and three months after injection, respectively. However, eyes in group A with a history of glaucoma showed statistically significant increases in IOP. CONCLUSIONS: The onsets and frequencies of increased IOP were different with the different drugs. Proper follow-up for increased IOP after injection is necessary based on the type of drug used.