Intraocular pressure trends after intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents for diabetic macular edema.

Purpose: To study intraocular pressure (IOP) trends and risk factors of IOP elevation after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in diabetic macular edema.

Methods: A retrospective review of 760 eyes treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for diabetic macular edema was performed. The rate and risk factors of IOP elevation were assessed. Intraocular pressure elevation was defined as an increase above baseline IOP by ≥ 6 mmHg, increase above baseline by > 20%, or IOP elevation to > 24 mmHg on 2 or more consecutive visits after treatment. When more than one pretreatment IOP reading was available, baseline IOP was calculated as the mean of the available pretreatment IOP readings (up to a maximum of three last IOP readings). Intraocular pressure elevation was considered transient unless it was maintained throughout the follow-up or required treatment (persistent elevation).

Results: Over a mean follow-up of 18 months, persistent and transient IOP elevation occurred in 44 (5.8%) and 53 (7%) eyes, respectively. The majority of eyes with persistent IOP elevation (70.4%) showed IOP elevation of > 20% from baseline. Only 13 eyes (1.71%) met the more strict criteria (> 6 mmHg from baseline or an IOP elevation > 24 mmHg). Final IOP was higher in the persistent IOP elevation group than the rest of the eyes (P < 0.001). Only the number of injections was associated with IOP elevation (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Persistent IOP elevation after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for diabetic macular edema is uncommon but may be associated with a higher number of injections.