Intraocular methotrexate in ocular diseases other than primary central nervous system lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether intravitreal methotrexate could be safely administered and improve vision in patients with ocular disease other than primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

DESIGN

A retrospective, small-case series.

METHODS

Patients with various clinical conditions were treated with intravitreal methotrexate (cumulative dose < or =400 microg). Visual acuity and clinical examination were recorded to assess the safety and efficacy of the injection.

RESULTS

Of 16 study eyes, final visual acuity was improved in seven, remained stable in five, and decreased in four. There was no observed toxicity attributable to methotrexate in any case.

CONCLUSION

Preservation of visual acuity in 12 of 16 study eyes suggests that a 400-microg intravitreal injection is safe in ocular disease other than PCNSL. The loss of acuity in four eyes with advanced preexisting pathology may be just as likely attributable to the natural history of the disease as to intraocular methotrexate.