Glaucoma filtration surgery following sustained elevation of intraocular pressure secondary to intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To document cases of sustained elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) while receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and subsequent management.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective series of all cases managed by the authors and colleagues was performed.

RESULTS

Six patients developed sustained elevated IOP; five received ranibizumab and one bevacizumab. Four received unilateral and two received bilateral injections. Two had preexisting primary open-angle glaucoma and one had pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, all with stable IOP prior to anti-VEGF treatment. Angles were open in all cases. Peak IOP averaged 43 mm Hg (range: 34 to 60 mm Hg). The mean number of injections preceding the IOP increase was 10 (range: 1 to 20). Four patients required trabeculectomy, one selective laser trabeculoplasty, and one multiple topical medications.

CONCLUSION

A sustained increase in IOP requiring glaucoma filtering surgery is a rare but important treatment complication for patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, especially those with preexisting glaucoma or glaucoma risk factors.