Immediate intraocular pressure changes following intravitreal injections of triamcinolone, pegaptanib, and bevacizumab

Retinal and choroidal changes after anti-VEGF therapy in neovascular-AMD patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of SD-OCT studies

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the progress made in the field of optical coherence tomography has helped to understand the changes in eye layers in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Early diagnosis of nAMD, a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment, is helpful. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on OCT measurement alterations before and after anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD and controls.

METHOD

We systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science to find articles that measured choroidal and retinal layer changes after anti-VEGF therapy in nAMD Patients. We chose either a fixed-effects or random-effects model based on the assessed heterogeneity level to perform a meta-analysis. In addition, we conducted meta-regression, subgroup analyses, publication bias, and quality assessment for included studies.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 733 total participants. Foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) decreased significantly in the first 3 years after injections, except for subfoveal CT in the third year after injection. It also showed that CT at 1500 µm temporal and nasal to the fovea did not significantly change.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD patients was associated with a significant reduction in foveal thickness and subfoveal CT in the first 2 years after treatment. Our analysis did not reveal any correlation between changes in foveal thickness and subfoveal CT with best-corrected visual acuity or other factors.

Drug Distribution After Intravitreal Injection: A Mathematical Model

Purpose

Intravitreal injection of drugs is commonly used for treatment of chorioretinal ocular pathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration. Injection causes a transient increase in the intraocular volume and, consequently, of the intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this work is to investigate how intravitreal flow patterns generated during the post-injection eye deflation influence the transport and distribution of the injected drug.

Methods

We present mathematical and computational models of fluid motion and mass transport in the vitreous chamber during the transient phase after injection, including the previously unexplored effects of globe deflation as ocular volume decreases.

Results

During eye globe deflation, significant fluid velocities are generated within the vitreous chamber, which can possibly contribute to drug transport. Pressure variations within the eye globe are small compared to IOP.

Conclusions

Even if significant fluid velocities are generated in the vitreous chamber after drug injection, these are found to have negligible overall effect on drug distribution.

[Topical application of hypotensive drugs for the prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs]

The management protocol for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) involves multiple intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-VEGF drugs. The ability to reduce the peak intraocular pressure (IOP) rise is greatly important in clinical practice.

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the effect of topical hypotensive drugs on the short-term IOP rise after IVI of anti-VEGF drugs in patients with nAMD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prospective study included 80 patients with newly diagnosed nAMD. Before the start of treatment, the patients were divided into 4 groups of 20 people each: 1st - controls, who received no prophylactic drugs, in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups local instillations of one drop of hypotensive drugs brinzolamide 1%, brinzolamide-timolol, brimonidine-timolol were performed in the conjunctival sac twice: 1 day before the injection (at 20:00) and on the day of the injection 2 hours before the manipulation (at 08:00), respectively. IOP was measured in each patient using ICare Pro non-contact tonometer before injection, as well as 1 min, 30 and 60 min after injection.

RESULTS

Prophylactic use of hypotensive drugs was associated with a significant decrease in IOP immediately after IVI compared to the same parameter in the 1st group (p<0.001), the maximum decrease in IOP values was observed when using a fixed combination of brimonidine-timolol by 12.1 mm Hg compared to the controls (p<0.001), the combination of brinzolamide-timolol reduced IOP by 8.5 mm Hg (p<0.001), brinzolamide 1% led to the smallest decrease in IOP - by 5.1 mm Hg (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Study patients that received instillations of brimonidine-timolol combination of one drop into the conjunctival sac 1 day before the injection and on the day of the injection showed the maximum decrease in IOP compared to patients of the other groups.

Short-term peripapillary structural and vascular changes following anti-VEGF vs. Dexamethasone intravitreal therapy in patients with DME

PURPOSE

To evaluate short-term peripapillary structural and vascular changes in DME after treatment with dexamethasone implant (DEX-I) and anti-VEGFs using OCT-A.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients with naïve center-involving DME were enrolled. 33 of sixty five patients (group 1) underwent with single DEX-I 0.7 mg (Ozurdex, Allergan, Inc., USA), 32 of sixty-five (group 2) underwent with intravitreal injection of aflibercept 0.5 mg (Eylea, Bayer, Genentech, San Francisco, USA). The OCT acquisition was completed at the following visits: (i) "T1 visit" corresponding to the intravitreal injection of DEX-I or aflibercept in patients with naïve center-involving DME (ii) "T2 visit" corresponding to the examination performed 2 weeks after intravitreal injection of aflibercept and 1 month after DEX-I. The parameters analyzed were: (i) RPC vasculature density (VD); (ii) peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, and (iii) intraocular pressure (IOP).

RESULTS

The RPC analysis showed a VD increase at T2 in both groups, although values did not reach statistical significance (48.12± 4.17 and 49.04 ± 4.23; P = 0.081 in Group 1 and 46.93± 3.16 and 47.17 ± 3.70; P = 0.087 in Group 2). Likewise, the pRNFL thickness and IOP fluctuations did not show statistically significant changes in in both groups among the different study visits.

CONCLUSIONS

After intravitreal injection (anti-VEGF or DEX-I), no significant short-term changes were found in peripapillary microvasculature, IOP and pRNFL thickness in diabetic eyes treated with anti-VEGF or DEX-I.

Effect of Prefilled vs Vial-Drawn Syringes on Sustained Increases in Intraocular Pressure in Patients Treated With Aflibercept

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of syringe type on developing sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) increases. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients in a single academic center receiving antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections from 2012 to 2022 for various indications. Patients were grouped by anti-VEGF treatment of either vial-drawn or prefilled syringe delivery. Trends in IOP were recorded for 1 year after treatment began. Development of sustained IOP increase, ocular hypertension, and glaucoma was recorded. Sustained IOP increase was defined as ≥5 mm Hg above baseline for at least 4 weeks. Results: Of 257 total patients, 6 (2.3%) developed sustained IOP increases throughout the study's duration. No significant differences were noted with respect to prefilled versus vial-drawn syringe status on the development of sustained IOP increases or incident glaucoma (IOP: 1.8% vs 2.7%, respectively, P = .65; glaucoma: 0.0% vs 2.0%, respectively, P = .14). Patients treated with prefilled syringes were significantly less likely to develop ocular hypertension (2.8% vs 8.8%, P < .05). Conclusions: This study found that aflibercept intravitreal injection with prefilled syringes was not associated with a significant increase in IOP-related adverse effects when compared with those treated with vial-drawn syringes.

Ocular pharmacokinetics and toxicity of nanoparticular acetazolamide: In vivo distribution and safety of PHBV-ACZ nanoparticle

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is defined as fluid accumulation in the macular region, between the retinal layers, due to many diseases, especially diabetes. DME is one of the major complications of diabetic retinopathy (DRP). Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAI) are a pharmaceutical agent used in different fields, especially glaucoma treatment. Acetazolamide (ACZ), which is a CAI, is an active substance that has been used off-label for many years in the treatment of macular edema due to diabetes and many other diseases. The low solubility and bioavailability of ACZ limit its use in the treatment of DME. In this study, a nanoparticulate formulation was developed that would increase the solubility and bioavailability of ACZ and allow it to be administered intravitreally. ACZ was loaded on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanoparticles and the loading efficiency was 71.58 ± 1.22%. Toxicity of nanoparticles after intravitreal application was evaluated with anterior segment and posterior segment examination findings, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements and electrophysiological tests. At the end of the 3-month follow-up, electroretinography (ERG) measurements demonstrated that ACZ loaded PHBV (PHBV-ACZ) nanoparticles did not cause loss of function in retinal cells. On histological examination, rare degenerative changes were observed in several cell groups. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies were performed to determine the tissue distribution of ACZ at various periods. ACZ was identified in vitreous humor and retina at the highest concentration. Based on our results, the prepared nanoparticle formulation can release long-term CAI for DRP therapy and accordingly can reduce the need for monthly intravitreal injections.

Transient Intraocular Pressure Fluctuations After Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

The clinical use of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that functions as an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), has recently increased in patients with retinal ischemic diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The short-term and long-term complications associated with this procedure have not been well established. We aimed to study the possible short-term complication of intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations shortly after IVB injection in patients with PDR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective case series of diabetic patients with PDR who underwent IVB injection was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Teaching Institution, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from November 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021. The total number of PDR patients of both sexes included in the study was 101. A slit lamp examination was performed, and IOP readings were recorded before and 30 min after IVB injection using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 for Windows was used to analyze the data. Safety of the procedure, defined as IOP ≤20 mmHg 30 min after IVB injection, was determined and stratified according to sex, age, duration of diabetes, and baseline IOP. A post-stratification chi-square test was applied, and a p-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

In this study, 60.4% of the participants were male and 39.6% were female. The age of the patients ranged from 30 to 75 years, with a mean age of 55.66±6.37 years. The mean duration of diabetes among the participants was 7.73±2.94 years and the mean baseline IOP was 15.40±1.77 mmHg. Safety (IOP ≤20 mmHg 30 min after IVB injection) was observed in 90.1% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

IVB injections are safe for use in patients with PDR in terms of immediate IOP changes. However, patients with higher baseline IOP (>15 mmHg) are more likely to develop increased IOP post-procedure and prophylaxis may be prudent in such cases.

Immediate Rise in Intraocular Pressure After First-Time Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab

Objective This study aims to report an immediate change in intraocular pressure (IOP) after the first injection of bevacizumab. Materials and methods An interventional case series was carried out at Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi, from November 2018 to April 2020. All patients with various chorioretinal diseases requiring anti-VEGF treatment were included in the study. Patients with a history of previous anti-VEGF or steroid injections and personal or family history of glaucoma were excluded. Bevacizumab in a dose of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) was injected intravitreally under topical anesthesia maintaining sterile aseptic conditions in the operating room. IOP was checked one hour prior to the injection, and hourly monitoring of it was continued for the next six hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics to compare the mean IOP readings before and after injection. Results A total of 191 eyes of 147 patients were included in the study. Among them, 92 (62.58%) were male and 55 (37.41%) were female with a mean age of 45.5 ± 8.8 years. The mean pre-injection IOP was measured as 12.12 ± 2.11 mmHg. The frequency of IOP elevation of ˃ 21 mmHg was observed in 169 (88.5%) eyes at five minutes, 104 (54.5%) eyes at 30 minutes, 33 (17.3%) eyes at one hour, and 16 (8.4%) eyes at two hours. The raised mean post-operative IOP was 30.44 ± 6.53 mmHg at five minutes, 26.27 ± 4.65 mmHg at 30 minutes, 26.12 ± 3.31 mmHg at one hour, and 25.63 ± 3.03 mmHg at two hours. The IOP reduced to pre-injection value at three hours measuring 12.12 ± 2.11 mmHg and continued to stay at that level for the next three hours. Conclusions The majority of the eyes receiving first-time intravitreal bevacizumab injection showed a significant increase in IOP level within five minutes to two hours post-injection.

Risk, Prevalence, and Progression of Glaucoma in Eyes With Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated With Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections

PURPOSE

To examine the risk, prevalence, and progression of glaucoma development in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections compared to controls.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical cohort study.

METHODS

Retrospective review of eyes receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2013, for exudative AMD. Age- and sex-matched control groups of eyes included eyes with nonexudative AMD (NEAMD) and no AMD. Eyes with a diagnosis of glaucoma or glaucoma suspect were reviewed for injection details, type and date of glaucoma diagnosis, glaucoma treatments, standard automated perimetry (SAP), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Qualitative progression was determined by indication of glaucoma progression in provider notes. Quantitative progression was assessed based on change in mean deviation (MD) on SAP, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness on SD-OCT, and intraocular pressure (IOP).

RESULTS

There were 707 eyes of 504 patients treated with anti-VEGF injections and 1008 eyes in the NEAMD and no-AMD cohorts. There was no difference in glaucoma or suspect prevalence at initial presentation between eyes treated with injections and NEAMD (6.9% vs 9.7%, P = .22) or no-AMD controls (vs 8.5%, P = .55). There was no difference in cumulative 5-year probability of new glaucoma diagnosis after anti-VEGF injections compared to NEAMD (1.9% vs 1.0%, P = .69) or no-AMD controls (vs 1.6%, P = .88). There was no difference in qualitative progression of glaucoma in the injection cohort vs NEAMD (P = .19) or no-AMD controls (P = .61). The rate of MD change in injection eyes was similar to NEAMD eyes (P = .74) but greater than no-AMD eyes (P = .02). Eyes receiving injections required more topical glaucoma medications compared with NEAMD (P = .03) and more glaucoma laser treatments compared with no-AMD controls (P = .009). Eyes receiving injections did not require more frequent incisional glaucoma surgery compared with NEAMD (21.0% vs 15.0%, P = .95) or no-AMD controls (vs 10.0%, P = .10).

CONCLUSION

Eyes treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for exudative AMD did not have increased risk of developing glaucoma compared with controls. Of those with a glaucoma diagnosis, exudative AMD eyes receiving injections required a greater number of topical glaucoma medications compared with NEAMD eyes and had a greater rate of MD loss than no-AMD controls.

Systemic and Ocular Adverse Events with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy Used in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: a Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are used routinely in the management of neovascular conditions including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. While the efficacy of anti-VEGF agents has been well-validated, their ocular and systemic adverse events should always be considered and discussed with patients. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent literature reports regarding the various ocular and systemic adverse events associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in diabetic retinopathy.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most frequently reported adverse ocular events include subconjunctival hemorrhage, vitreous hemorrhage, increased intraocular pressure, uveitis, endophthalmitis, ocular surface disease, and traumatic cataract. Subconjunctival hemorrhage and vitreous hemorrhage are the most common ocular adverse events reported with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. The most serious (though rare) ocular adverse events include endophthalmitis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A consensus regarding the association of systemic adverse events (such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and death) with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments has not been established. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other diseases. These agents are associated with a variety of ocular and systemic adverse events that ophthalmologists should always consider.

Intraocular pressure decreases in eyes with glaucoma-related diagnoses after conversion to aflibercept for treatment-resistant age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To understand intraocular pressure (IOP) response after switching from intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and/or ranibizumab (IVR) to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) for treatment-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in patients with and without coexisting glaucoma-related diagnoses.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional comparative case series of 62 eyes of 58 patients treated with intravitreal injection for nAMD from March 2010 to April 2018. Patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses, defined here as open-angle glaucoma or suspicion of open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and/or narrow-angle glaucoma, were compared to those without glaucoma. IOP data were collected at baseline, at the three visits where patients received loading doses of IVB/IVR, and at all of the visits following the switch to IVA through the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

19 eyes with pre-existing glaucoma-related diagnoses were compared to 43 eyes without such diagnoses. Baseline IOP was similar for glaucoma and non-glaucoma patients. The loading doses of IVB/IVR did not impact IOP; however, a small, sustained rise in IOP was noted among patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses by the final IVB/IVR injections before the switch to IVA (∆IOP 1.61 ± 0.52 mmHg, P < 0.002). After conversion to IVA, pre-injection IOP declined in eyes both with (-1.59 ± 0.54 mmHg, P < 0.001) and without (-0.99 ± 0.28 mmHg, P < 0.001) glaucoma-related diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

IOP in patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses appears to be more sensitive to intravitreal injections than it is in patients without glaucoma-related diagnoses. It rises with IVB/IVR and declines after the switch to IVA. Switching patients with nAMD to IVA may present an opportunity to lower IOP in patients with glaucoma.

Mid-Term Impact of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents on Intraocular Pressure

The effect of intraocular injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on intraocular pressure (IOP) has not been clearly stated. We extracted data from the electronic health records at Dijon University Hospital of 750 patients who were unilaterally injected with anti-VEGF agents between March 2012 and March 2020. These were treatment-naïve patients who had received at least three injections of the same treatment (aflibercept, bevacizumab, or ranibizumab) in one eye only, and had IOP measurements before and after the injections. Fellow untreated eyes were used as comparators. A clinically significant IOP rise was determined as an IOP above 21 mmHg and an increase of at least 6 mmHg compared to baseline, or the need for IOP-lowering agents. We found an overall slight increase in IOP between treated and untreated eyes at 6 months (+0.67 ± 3.33 mmHg, 95% confidence interval 0.33–1.02, p < 0.001). Ranibizumab had a higher final IOP at 1 and 3 months. Age, sex, and the number of injections were not associated with IOP variation. Ranibizumab was associated with a higher rate of increase in clinically significant IOP at 6 months (p = 0.03). Our study confirms that anti-VEGF injections constitute a relatively safe treatment regarding their impact on IOP.

Monoclonal antibodies in diabetic retinopathy

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), as one of the main complications of diabetes, is among the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide.

AREAS COVERED

Current clinical therapies include photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibiting angiogenesis. Intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab can decrease the rate of blindness and retinal thickness, and improve visual acuity whether as monotherapy or combined with other treatments. They can increase the efficacy of other treatments and decrease their adverse events. Although administered intravitreally, they also might enter the circulation and cause systemic effects. This study is aimed to review our current knowledge about mAbs, bevacizumab and ranibizumab, in DR including superiorities, challenges, and limitations. Meanwhile, we tried to shed light on new ideas to overcome these limitations. Our latest search was done in April 2021 mainly through PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant clinical studies were imported.

EXPERT OPINION

Future direction includes detection of more therapeutic targets considering other components of DR pathophysiology and shared pathogenesis of DR and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, the treat-and-extend regimen, and new ways of drug delivery and other routes of ocular drug administration.

Effects of the Presence of Pseudoexfoliation on Intraocular Pressure and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Macular Degeneration Receiving Intravitreal Ranibizumab

Aims: In the present study, we aimed to compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment on intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with and without pseudoexfoliation (PEX). Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients, 12 with PEX (12 eyes) and 12 without PEX (12 eyes), receiving IVR treatment for neovascular AMD between June 2017 and June 2019, were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were composed of the history of glaucoma, uveitis, intravitreal steroid administration, pars plana vitrectomy surgery, and less than three IVR injections. Such criteria as age, gender, follow-up times, number of injections administered, IOP, and RNFL thickness before the first injection and one month after the last injection were also recorded. Results: Age, gender, follow-up time, and the number of injections were similar in groups with and without PEX (p > 0.05). While mean post-treatment IOP values were not significantly higher in the PEX group (14.50 ± 3.06 vs. 12.91 ± 1.83 mmHg, p = 0.065), the values were significant for the non-PEX group (13.25 ± 2.76 vs. 11.83 ± 2.69 mmHg, p = 0.01), and these values were within normal IOP limits. Additionally, RNFL thickness was significantly thinner after treatment in both groups (91.41 ± 7.14 vs. 94.00 ± 6.76 in those with PEX; 95.58 ± 5.91 vs. 97.66 ± 6.89 in those without PEX; p < 0.05). The decrease in RNFL thickness in the PEX group was 2.58 ± 1.62 µ and in the non-PEX group was 2.08 ± 1.98 µ. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of RNFL thinning (p = 0.505). Discussion: Ranibizumab may reduce RNFL thickness in patients with PEX. Longer-term studies including larger populations are necessary for understanding IOP and RNFL changes after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection.

Transient central retina artery occlusion in patients undergone intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections

PURPOSE

To evaluate the occurrence of transient central retinal artery occlusion following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study of 807 patients (807 eyes) who were given intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept to treat any cause of retinal vascular diseases between 1 January 2017 and 30 November 2018 at the Federal Fluminense University Hospital in Niteroi, and a private facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Patients who did not present transient central retinal artery occlusion were excluded.

RESULTS

Among 4069 injections, only 18 patients (0.44%) presented transient central retinal artery occlusion, 14 mild cases (77.7%), and 4 severe cases (22.3%). The clinical factors associated with more severe cases of transient central retinal artery occlusion were the duration of the transient central retinal artery occlusion (p = 0.001), number of prior injections (p = 0.01), and a positive carotid Doppler test (p = 0.01). Twelve cases (66.6%) had positive carotid artery obstruction (atheroma plaque size ≥70%) while 6 cases (33.3%) had negative carotid artery obstruction (atheroma plaque size <70%). The age group >60 years old (p = 0.06), cup/disc ratio >0.6 (p = 0.06), and pseudophakic lens status were also factors with association with transient central retinal artery occlusion, although did not meet criteria for statistical significance. The only patient who experienced a recurrent episode of transient central retinal artery occlusion had diabetic macular edema, positive carotid Doppler test, and cup/optic disc ratio >0.6.

CONCLUSION

Transient central retinal artery occlusion is a rare adverse event that can appear in patients with retinal vascular disease receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The atheroma plaque size and the number of prior injections can be associated with the severity of the event.

Short-term Safety Evaluation of Resident-performed Intravitreal Injection

Purpose: This study evaluated the short-term safety of resident-performed intravitreal injections.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 503 patients (503 eyes) treated for the first time in our hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 via intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, or triamcinolone acetonide injections by residents or retina specialists. In terms of short-term ophthalmic complications, patients were followed-up 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after injection.Results: A total of 503 eyes of 503 patients were included. Intravitreal injections were given to 211 and 292 eyes by residents (the resident group) and retina specialists (the retina specialist group), respectively. There were no between-group differences in baseline characteristics except in terms of the indications for injection. Intraocular pressure elevation >5 mmHg occurred in two eyes (0.95%) in the resident group and five (1.71%) in the retina specialist group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in 29 eyes (13.74%) of the resident group and 32 eyes (10.96%) of the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not statistically significant. No case of noninfectious endophthalmitis occurred in the resident group but two (0.68%) cases occurred in the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not significant. There were two (0.95%) cases of infectious endophthalmitis in the resident group and one (0.34%) case in the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not significant. No corneal erosion, traumatic lens damage, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal tearing or detachment were noted in either group.Conclusions: Resident-performed intravitreal injections appear to be safe.

Suprachoroidal delivery of bevacizumab in rabbit in vivo eyes: Rapid distribution throughout the posterior segment

PURPOSE

To test the in-vivo bio-distribution and safety of bevacizumab delivery into the suprachoroidal space (SCS) using a novel injection system in a large eye model.

METHODS

Bevacizumab (1.25 mg) was injected into the vitreous (IVT, 50 µL, n = 12) or the SCS, (150 µL, n = 37) of live rabbits. Immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to assess bevacizumab distribution. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, SD-OCT and fundus imaging, electroretinogram, and histology analysis were performed for safety assessment.

RESULTS

Bevacizumab was observed throughout the choroid layers up to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), within 1 h following SCS injection. The C_max of bevacizumab in the retina/choroid was 1043 ± 597 μg/gr tissue (mean ± standard error), 40-fold higher than in IVT injected eyes (p = 0.0339). One day following SCS injection, bevacizumab was detected throughout the posterior pole with a two-fold lower concentration. One week post-SCS injection, bevacizumab concentration in the retina/choroid dropped to 2.36 ± 1.32 μg/gr tissue (p = 0.034 vs. 1 h), with a half-life of 20 h. No suprachoroidal blebs, retinal detachment, hemorrhages, inflammation or changes in retinal function were observed up to 2 months following SCS injection. Elevated IOP (+16 mmHg) was observed two minutes post-SCS injection and spontaneously returned to baseline levels within 10 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel injection system enabled a minimally invasive, safe, and consistent delivery of bevacizumab with rapid distribution throughout the choroid layers up to the RPE in large eyes. Large volumes of anti-angiogenic are delivered in close proximity to the retina due to the high volume distribution.

Acute and subacute macular and peripapillary angiographic changes in choroidal and retinal blood flow post-intravitreal injections

Whether post injectional acute intraocular pressure (IOP) increase is associated with decreased peripapillary and macular perfusion is still under debate. Here, we investigated early changes in the choroidal and retinal blood flow using OCTA imaging in a cohort of patients undergoing anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (IVI) for macular edema following retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. In this prospective single-center, observational study, the pre- and post-IVI changes in retinal perfusion were examined via assessment of vessel length density (VLD) and vessel density (VD) in deep and superficial capillary segmentations (DCP and SCP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in SCP, as well as flow signal deficits in the choriocapillaris segmentation. Mean IOP significantly changed over the study course (p = 0.000; ANOVA). Measurements at 5 min post-IVI (33.48 ± 10.84 mmHg) differed significantly from baseline (17.26 ± 2.41 mmHg, p = 0.000), while measurements from one day, one week, and one-month post-IVI did not (p = 0.907, p = 1.000 and p = 1.000 respectively). In comparison to baseline, no changes in OCTA parameters, including FAZ, VD, VLD, and FV, were detected 5 min post-IVI. No significant alterations in OCTA parameters were observed during study course. Increased IOP spikes were detected post-IVI; however, no potential permanent ischemic retinal damage was suspected.

Prophylactic effect of brinzolamide-brimonidine fixed combination on intraocular pressure spikes after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of topical prophylaxis with brinzolamide-brimonidine fixed combination on short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF).

METHODS

This prospective comparative study included 56 eyes of 47 patients treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, and they were randomly divided into two groups. In control group (25 eyes), no prophylactic medication was used, whereas in case group (31 eyes) one drop of a fixed combination of brinzolamide-brimonidine was instilled two hours before the injection. IOP was measured before the injection and at 1 min, 10 min and 30 min post-injection in all eyes.

RESULTS

The mean IOP before injection at 1 min, 10 min and 30 min post-injection was 16,6 ± 2,8 mmHg, 53,4 ± 12 mmHg, 26,4 ± 5,5 mmHg and 17,9 ± 4 mmHg, respectively, in control group and 15,1 ± 3,4 mmHg, 42,6 ± 8,4 mmHg, 21,4 ± 5,5 mmHg and 12,4 ± 3,5 mmHg, respectively, in case group. At 1 min, 10 min and 30 min post-injection, the mean IOP was significantly lower in case group compared with control group (p < 0,001, p = 0,0014 and p < 0,0001, respectively), but no difference at the pre-injection IOP between the two groups was found (p = 0,09).

CONCLUSIONS

The prophylactic administration of one drop of brinzolamide-brimonidine fixed combination significantly reduces the IOP spikes during the first 30 min after the intravitreal anti-VEGF injection.

Intraocular Pressure Changes after Intravitreal Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab Injection: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab injection administered for various retinal disorders.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 796 eyes of 574 patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg) and/or bevacizumab (1.25 mg) injection for different retinal diseases from March 2009 to December 2016 was performed. Ocular hypertension (OHT) was defined as IOP >21 mmHg or an increase in IOP of >5 mmHg from the baseline. IOP at the baseline and at various time periods after the injection was evaluated in the injected eyes and fellow control eyes.

Results

One hundred and thirty-one eyes received either a single dose of bevacizumab or ranibizumab intravitreal injection unilaterally, 222 patients received single injection in both the eyes (n = 444 eyes), and 221 eyes received multiple doses of the injection. OHT was noted in 11 eyes (1.38%), of which 3 eyes (0.38%) had transient OHT and 8 eyes (1%) had delayed and sustained OHT and among them, 3 eyes (0.4%) progressed to glaucoma. Preinjection IOP was significantly higher in the treated eyes when compared to the control untreated eyes (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Incidence of delayed and sustained OHT is low after a single or multiple intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab injections. Clinicians should be aware of possibility of OHT or glaucoma after the procedure.

Non-invasive multimodal imaging of Diabetic Retinopathy: A survey on treatment methods and Nanotheranostics

Diabetes Retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prominent microvascular complications of diabetes. It is one of the pre-eminent causes for vision impairment followed by blindness among the working-age population worldwide. The de facto cause for DR remains challenging, despite several efforts made to unveil the mechanism underlying the pathology of DR. There is quite less availability of the low cost pre-emptive theranostic imaging tools in terms of in-depth resolution, due to the multiple factors involved in the etiology of DR. This review work comprehensively explores the various reports and research works on all perspectives of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and its mechanism. It also discusses various advanced non-destructive imaging modalities, current, and future treatment approaches. Further, the application of various nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies used for the treatment of DR are also discussed. In a nutshell, the present review work bolsters the pursuit of the development of an advanced non-invasive optical imaging modal with a nano-theranostic approach for the future diagnosis and treatment of DR and its associated ocular complications.

Biomechanical properties of the cornea following intravitreal ranibizumab injection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal biomechanical properties changes after intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVRI).

METHODS

One hundred twenty eyes of 120 patients who underwent IVRI between January and March 2018 in Adnan Menderes University Ophthalmology Clinic were included in study. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were measured by Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) by the same specialist preoperatively (preop), postoperative 1st (postop-1st), postoperative 3rd (postop-3rd), and postoperative 24th hours (postop-24th) after single-dose IVRI.

RESULTS

Among the 120 wet age-related macular degeneration subjects, 58 (48.3%) were female and 62 (51.7%) were male. The mean age was 64.8 ± 10.4 years. Postop-1st hour IOP cc and IOPg measurements were statistically different from all other measurements (p < 0.001). Postop-1st hour CH measurements were statistically different from preop and postop-3rd (p = 0.022 and p = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

After intravitreal injection, IOP pressures significantly increased. But, CH and CRF values were significantly decreased. All these changes were temporary.

"Glaucomatous fields" after monthly intravitreal injections: Normal tension glaucoma or a mimicker?

Purpose

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, while used to effectively treat numerous retinal vascular conditions, can be associated with transient and prolonged ocular hypertension. There is minimal literature detailing the development of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) following intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

Observations

A 38-year-old Caucasian male with no medical or ocular history was diagnosed with an inferior HRVO with macular edema in the left eye. The patient received a total of eleven monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections over one year, with maintenance of stable vision and intraocular pressure (IOP) throughout the treatment period and during follow-up. Nine months after the last aflibercept injection, cup-to-disc asymmetry, inferior thinning of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and reduced superior visual field was evident in the left eye. Clinically, the patient was consistent with normal tension glaucoma and thus, the patient was started on daily timolol drops; however, the role of the glaucomatous findings being secondary to repeated injection-related IOP elevations is possible.

Conclusions and Importance

While the clinical features based on visual fields and RNFL thinning with unmedicated normotensive IOP may suggest NTG in a patient, this clinical presentation may be a masquerader of NTG with the etiology of the glaucoma optic neuropathy caused by cumulative impact of transient IOP elevations secondary to intravitreal injections.

The effects of intravitreal injections on intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fiber layer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The number of eye diseases treated with intravitreal injections is increasing. Obviously, an injection of fluid into the eye results in an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), the main risk factor for glaucoma. However, the effect of these repeated IOP increases on the eye is unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review with meta-analyses. PubMed, Embase and Clinical Trials Registries were searched for articles investigating the relationship between intravitreal injections (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor [anti-VEGF] or steroids) and either IOP, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)-thickness and glaucoma. Multiple meta-analyses were performed, combining data on intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF medication and dexamethasone implants. A total of 74 articles were eligible for meta-analyses. The short-term effect of an intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF showed a statistically significant increase in IOP. One day after injection of anti-VEGF, however, IOP was significantly lower than baseline. The long-term time-intervals showed no significant difference in IOP. After intravitreal injection of a dexamethasone implant, IOP was significantly higher than baseline 1 month post-injection. RNFL-thickness was significantly reduced 6 and 12 months post-injection of anti-VEGF, as well as at end of follow up. Caution is advised when using intravitreal medication, especially when treating patients with advanced glaucoma; in these cases, prophylactic IOP-lowering medication may be considered.

Effect of Paracentesis on Retinal Function Associated With Changes in Intraocular Pressure Caused by Intravitreal Injections

Purpose

Intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents are widely performed, and subsequent intraocular pressure increase may cause retinal nerve fiber damage. This study aimed to determine the effects of paracentesis before intravitreal injection of an antivascular endothelial growth factor on electroretinograms.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study in a university hospital. Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients who underwent intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents were selected for evaluation. Intraocular pressures and electroretinograms were recorded before surgery (baseline), after anterior chamber paracentesis, and after intravitreal injection. The amplitudes and latencies of the a- and b-waves, photopic negative response, and oscillatory potential were measured. Changes in each component of the electroretinograms, intraocular pressure, and relationships between these two factors were investigated. The preoperative and postoperative ocular perfusion pressure was calculated based on blood pressure.

Results

The amplitudes of the b-waves were significantly smaller after intravitreal injection than at baseline (P = 0.02), while no significant change was found in the other components during surgery. There were no significant changes in the latencies of any component during surgery. The intraocular pressure was significantly lower (P < 0.001) after anterior chamber paracentesis (6.8 ± 4.3 mm Hg) compared to baseline (24.1 ± 8.1 mm Hg) or after intravitreal injection (17.1 ± 9.6 mm Hg; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Performing anterior chamber paracentesis before an intravitreal injection can prevent the intraocular pressure elevation and thus minimize the electrophysiological retinal dysfunction.

Translational Relevance

Anterior chamber paracentesis before an intravitreal injection mitigates the adverse effects on retinal function.

Effects of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy on Glaucoma-like Progression in Susceptible Eyes

PRéCIS:: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections may accelerate glaucomatous change in patients with preexisting glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT). The safety of long-term injections in this specific population may be reflected in the need for additional glaucoma interventions.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether repeated anti-VEGF injections accelerate structural and functional glaucomatous change in eyes with preexisting glaucoma or OHT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational study of injected and noninjected fellow eyes. A total of 28 patients with preexisting glaucoma or OHT, who received ≥6 unilateral anti-VEGF injections for concurrent neovascular retinal disease, were selected for chart review. Primary outcome measures were rate of visual field loss in dB/year, rate of change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in microns/year, and need for additional glaucoma medications, surgery, or laser.

RESULTS

The number of eyes requiring additional glaucoma surgery or laser was 8 of 28 (28.6%) for the injected group and 2 of 28 (7.1%) for the noninjected group. A significantly greater proportion of injected eyes required invasive glaucoma intervention (P=0.034). Average rate of decline in mean deviation and change in pattern standard deviation were both significantly greater in injected eyes (P=0.029; P=0.019). Estimated mean rate of global retinal nerve fiber layer change was -4.27 µm/y for the injected group and -1.17 µm/y for the noninjected group and was significant only for injected eyes (P=0.014). Only the superior quadrant exhibited thinning that was significantly different between groups (P=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal injections were associated with accelerated functional and structural glaucoma-like change in susceptible eyes. Clinicians should assess the need for glaucoma medications or other interventions over the course of anti-VEGF therapy.

Effect of Intravitreal Injections on Retinal Imaging Metrics in Glaucomatous and Non-Glaucomatous Eyes

Purpose of Review

To summarize the available literature on retinal imaging metrics in the context of intravitreal injections in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes.

Recent Findings

The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in injected non-glaucomatous eyes appears to thin at a similar rate to uninjected fellow eyes. A total of four studies evaluating RNFL thinning in injected glaucomatous eyes yielded mixed results, with more recent longitudinal investigations suggesting a potential association. The ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer is also being studied as a potential endpoint in both glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes following intravitreal injections.

Vitreous Reflux Frequency and Intraocular Pressure After First-Time Intravitreal Aflibercept Injections: Comparison of 30- and 32-Gauge Needles

Purpose

To compare the effects of 30-gauge versus 32-gauge needles on vitreous reflux (VR) frequency and intraocular pressure (IOP) following first-time intravitreal aflibercept injections.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 116 patients (116 eyes) who received intravitreal injections using 30-gauge needles and 104 patients (104 eyes) who received the same injection using 32-gauge needles were reviewed. The medical records of 116 patients who each received an intravitreal injection using a 30-gauge needle (median age: 67.5 ± 13.9 years) and 104 patients who each received the same injection using a 32-gauge needle (median age: 66. 3 ± 10.6 years) from January 2015 to June 2019 were compared.

Results

No significant difference in the frequency of VR was observed between patients injected using 30-gauge needles (38/116) and patients injected using 32-gauge needles (31/104, P = 0.64). There were no significant differences in the VR rates of patients with phakic and pseudophakic eyes between those injected using 30-gauge (P = 0.94) or 32-gauge needles (P = 0.77). Axial length did not significantly differ between patients with and without VR when injected using 30-gauge (P = 0.89) and with 32-gauge needles (P = 0.69). IOP immediately after injection was significantly higher in patients injected using 30-gauge needles than in patients injected using 32-gauge needles (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

VR frequency was not correlated with needle size, lens status, or axial length. Patients receiving injections using 30-gauge needles had higher IOP immediately after intravitreal injection.

COMPLICATIONS OF SERIAL ANTERIOR CHAMBER PARACENTESIS FOR INCREASED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS

PURPOSE

To report complications after serial anterior chamber (AC) paracentesis for sustained elevation of intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection.

METHODS

A retrospective interventional case series of five patients who had received AC paracentesis after intravitreal injection.

RESULTS

Five patients presented with either decreased vision or increased pain after intravitreal injection with planned AC paracentesis. Of the five patients, three patients presented with profound hypotony due to persistent wound leak from the AC paracentesis site. Of these three, one resolved with pressure patch and cycloplegia. The other two patients required further intervention with either polyethylene glycol hydrogel or nylon suture for wound closure. The fourth patient presented with IOL optic prolapse into the AC that resolved with dilation. The fifth patient presented with vitreous prolapse through the AC paracentesis wound and was treated with YAG vitreolysis.

CONCLUSION

A single AC paracentesis has been shown to demonstrate a favorable safety profile. Serial AC paracenteses may degrade the integrity of the peripheral cornea in patients with sustained elevation of intraocular pressure after repeated intravitreal injections.

Repeated intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factors and risk of intraocular pressure medication use

PURPOSE

To determine the risk of initiating ocular hypertension and glaucoma treatment with repeated injections of antivascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF).

METHODS

A unique, retrospective cohort study was performed using a large national US medical claim database. The study population included patients who had 1 or more injections of an anti-VEGF agent. Exclusion occurred for any previous glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, glaucoma-related procedure, an ocular steroid injection, or not seeing an eye care provider at least once in each year of follow-up. Cohorts were divided into quartiles based on the number of injections performed over the follow-up period. Patients were observed for 2 and 3 years. The main outcome measure was defined as any new prescription for an ocular antihypertensive medication with a concurrent diagnosis of glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or ocular hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression determined the odds of initiating glaucoma treatment in each injection quartile while controlling for numerous covariates. Sensitivity analysis assessed outcomes that included new medication only as well as a new medication plus diagnosis of glaucoma.

RESULTS

In total, 17,113 and 9992 patients met 2- and 3-year observation end points, respectively. The multivariate odds ratio for initiating glaucoma treatment at 2 years was higher in the highest quartile (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.39-2.76, p < 0.001) compared with the lowest. The 3-year comparison had similar results with increased odds in the highest quartile (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07-2.13, p = 0.006) compared with the lowest. Sensitivity analyses also showed similar results with more injections being associated with initiating treatment (p < 0.053 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated anti-VEGF injections are associated with an increased odds of initiating treatment for ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Effect of prior glaucoma surgery on intraocular pressure immediately after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection

BACKGROUND

To characterize how prior incisional glaucoma surgery affects the intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation immediately following intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IVI).

METHODS

Single institution, experimental study. Patients with a history of incisional glaucoma surgery who were receiving anti-VEGF injections were recruited as well as control eyes. Pre- and post-injection IOP measurements were compared as well as time to recovery to within 5 and 10 mmHg of baseline IOP.

RESULTS

Ten eyes with a history of glaucoma surgery and 29 control eyes receiving anti-VEGF injections were included. The most common indication for intravitreal anti-VEGF injection was proliferative diabetic retinopathy in both surgical and control eyes (50% vs 45%, p = 1.00). Post-injection IOP was significantly decreased compared to baseline IOP after anti-VEGF injection in surgical versus control eyes (26.5 ± 8.9 mmHg vs 44.2 ± 8.5 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean change in IOP following intravitreal anti-VEGF injection was lower in surgical eyes (10.7 ± 6.6 mmHg vs 28.6 ± 8.3 mmHg, p < 0.001). The mean time for the IOP to return to within 10 mmHg of pre-injection IOP was less in surgical eyes (5.2 ± 4.1 min vs 13.3 ± 7.6 min, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with prior incisional glaucoma surgery demonstrated a significantly lower post-injection IOP elevation and a faster recovery to within 10 mmHg of their pre-injection IOP. Incisional glaucoma surgery may be considered for patients where the attenuation of post-injection IOP elevation is needed and other less invasive measures have failed.

Major factors affecting intraocular pressure spike after intravitreal ranibizumab injection: Vitreous reflux and its amount

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitreous reflux and its amount on short-term intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.

METHODS

The study included 316 eyes of 276 patients. Intraocular pressures were measured before intravitreal injection (preIOP), immediately after intravitreal injection (postIOP0), and 30 min after intravitreal injection (postIOP30). The amount of vitreous reflux was evaluated by measuring conjunctival bleb diameter, and patients were grouped as; group 1: no vitreous reflux, group 2: less vitreous reflux, and group 3: more vitreous reflux. The data were analyzed using variance analysis, chi-square test, and regression analysis.

RESULTS

PostIOP0 values were highest in group 1, followed by group 2 and group 3 (all p values < 0.001). PostIOP30 values were similar in group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.261), but were lower in group 3 than other two groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Vitreous reflux was identified as the only factor affecting postinjection intraocular pressure changes (p < 0.001), and a negative correlation was found between the total number of intravitreal injection and vitreous reflux (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

The major factor affecting short-term postinjection intraocular pressure elevation was vitreous reflux, and intraocular pressure levels increased as the amount of vitreous reflux decreased. Vitreous reflux and its amount decreased as the total number of intravitreal injection increased.

Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection on Corneal in vivo Biomechanics: A Pilot Study

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection on corneal biomechanical parameters as measured by the ocular response analyzer (ORA) and Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (CorVis).

Methods

In this prospective pilot study, ORA and CorVis parameters were recorded before and after a three-month course of IVB injection therapy in 16 patients in the injected and the contralateral non-injected control eyes. The changes in the recorded parameters in each group and the differences between the two groups were evaluated and compared.

Results

None of the changes in ORA parameters were statistically significant in the injected and non-injected groups before and three months after injection, except for corneal resistance factor (CRF) in injected eyes (paired t-test, P = 0.039). The differences in corneal hysteresis (CH) and CRF were not statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.441 and 0.236, respectively), but significant differences were noted between corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc) and Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) (P = 0.045 and 0.047, respectively). None of the changes in CorVis parameters were statistically significant in the groups before and at the end of study, except for the time of first corneal applanation (TAp1 ms) in the injected group (P = 0.040, paired t-test). Differences in TAp1, length of the second corneal applanation (LAp2 mm), velocity of the second corneal applanation (VAp2 m/s), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central corneal thickness (CCT) also showed borderline significance between the two groups.

Conclusion

In this pilot study IVB injection could change CRF, IOPcc, IOPg, and TAP1 as measured by ORA and CorVis.

Hypotensive efficacy of topical brimonidine for intraocular pressure spikes following intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents: a randomised crossover trial

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of topical brimonidine tartrate prophylaxis on intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes following intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.

METHODS

This is a randomised crossover trial of consecutive non-glaucomatous eyes receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections between December 2016 and July 2017. All eyes were randomly assigned to no prophylaxis or topical brimonidine tartrate 0.15 % administered 20 min prior to injection in one of two consecutive visits. Measurements of IOP were obtained immediately (T0), 10 min (T10) and 20 min (T20) after injection during the visits with and without prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Among the 58 eyes of 55 patients (116 visits), the mean (SD) age was 74.3 (11.6), and 62% were female. The mean baseline IOP was 15.3 (2.3) mm Hg (range: 11-20). On average, the immediate postinjection IOP during the visit without prophylaxis was 41.6 (12) mm Hg (range: 17-81). Compared with no prophylaxis, the visit with preadministered topical brimonidine tartrate had a lower IOP at T0 (p<0.001), T10 (p=0.001) and T20 (p=0.043), and a smaller proportion of eyes with IOP elevation of greater than 20 mm Hg from preinjection (p=0.002) and IOP greater than 50 mm Hg at T0 (p=0.036). Without prophylaxis, two eyes (two patients) had an IOP of greater than 70 mm Hg at T0 and thus underwent anterior chamber paracentesis.

CONCLUSION

Topical brimonidine tartrate prophylaxis for intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents effectively reduces IOP spikes in non-glaucomatous eyes and may be easily incorporated into ophthalmologists' current practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03513172.

[Structural changes in the ocular anterior segment against elevation of intraocular pressure after repeated intravitreal injections]

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of anti-VEGF medications for exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Significant IOP elevation is one of the side effects of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection.

PURPOSE

To study the changes in the parameters of anterior segment of the eyeball against acute IOP elevation after repeated intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-VEGF medication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted on a random sample of 45 patients (45 eyes) diagnosed with exudative (wet) form of AMD. All patients received two 0.05 ml intravitreal injections of ranibizumab with one-month interval. Measurements of IOP were performed with rebound tonometer Icare-Pro (ICare, Finland) before intravitreal injection, then one minute, 30 minutes and 3 hours after. The parameters of the ocular anterior segment, namely thickness and optical density of the cornea, volume and angle of the anterior chamber were evaluated by Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR, Oculus, Germany) before IVI, and 15 minutes after.

RESULTS

Statistically significant (p<0.05) elevation of IOP to 40 mm Hg (confidence interval 32-48 mm Hg) was recorded one minute after injecting 0.05 mL of ranibizumab solution into the vitreous cavity with IOP having the tendency for gradual normalization. When measured 15 minutes after IVI, the following parameters of the ocular anterior segment structures had reliably changed in the setting of elevated IOP: corneal thickness had increased to 27 µm (confidence interval 14-38 µm), corneal optical density - to 16.7 (confidence interval 10.4-19.5). No significant changes of either volume or angle of anterior chamber were revealed. Comparative analysis showed no significant changes of parameters after the 1^st and the 2^nd IVI.

CONCLUSION

The revealed changes were transient in nature and did not require any corrections since all parameters returned to baseline after each injection.

A non-invasive, multi-target approach to treat diabetic retinopathy

Hyperglycemia invoke number of pathways resulting in development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), including protein kinase C activation, increased expression of VEGF, advanced glycation end product (AGEs) formation and activation of polyol pathway, among which the pathophysiology of aldose reductase (ALR2) of the polyol pathway is evident by more than a decade of research. Subtle involvement of ALR2 in invoking various pathways of diabetic complications has caused an increase in attention towards the identification of novel aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs). Numerous ARIs of different classes were employed in the treatment of diabetic complications initially, but few came into light as drugs. Though no ALR2 inhibitor has been used for the treatment or control of DR, Epalrestat has been used worldwide for treating diabetic neuropathy. This review critically analyses different treatments available for diabetic retinopathy, their limitations and the importance of the development of novel inhibitors of ALR2 that could prevent progression of DR, by causing a direct or indirect effect on controlling factors associated with DR.

[Late and sustained intraocular pressure elevation related to intravitreal anti-VEGF injections: Cases requiring filtering surgery (French translation of the article)]

We report cases of delayed, sustained elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IVI), which ultimately resulted in the need for filtering surgery. Two of the three cases demonstrated severe IOP elevation despite maximal medical treatment following unilateral IVI and required urgent filtering surgery. Optic nerve involvement was severe in all three cases. These intravitreal injections were performed for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the patients did not show any sign of glaucoma or ocular hypertension prior to the initiation of treatment. Elevated IOP secondary to intravitreal steroids is a well-known side effect, as is immediate transient IOP elevation associated with anti-VEGF injection. Late, sustained IOP elevation after repeated injections of anti-VEGF, described approximately ten years ago, is often underestimated. Its incidence is estimated between 2.1% and 13% according to studies and increases with the number of IVI (cumulative effect). The pathophysiologic process is becoming increasingly understood, and several risk factors for this chronic IOP elevation have been identified. Most often, it is a moderate IOP elevation for which topical monotherapy is sufficient, or sometimes two, three or four medications or even selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). However, filtering surgery may rarely be required. Our findings illustrate a little-described phenomenon: a sudden, severe, late IOP elevation in response to anti-VEGF by an "overflow" effect, requiring urgent filtering surgery.

EFFECT OF SERIAL ANTERIOR CHAMBER PARACENTESIS ON SUSTAINED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE ELEVATION IN PATIENTS RECEIVING INTRAVITREAL ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of serial anterior chamber (AC) paracenteses in eyes with sustained elevations of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the setting of repeated intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications.

METHODS

This is a retrospective records review of patients undergoing IVI of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication (bevacizumab, ranubizumab, or aflibercept), who demonstrated a sustained elevation of preinjection IOP and also received AC paracentesis immediately after IVI on at least three consecutive visits. Changes in preinjection IOP and cup-to-disk (C:D) ratio were compared before and after the initiation of IVI and before and after the introduction of AC paracenteses with each subsequent IVI.

RESULTS

Twenty-three eyes of 17 patients receiving a median of 26 IVI experienced a rise in preinjection IOP from 16.3 mmHg to 21.1 mmHg (P = 0.004) and an increase in mean C:D ratio from 0.37 to 0.47 (P = 0.0002). After introduction of AC paracenteses (median of 12), mean IOP was returned to baseline 16.00 mmHg (P = 0.002), mean C:D ratio stabilized (0.50, P = 0.197), and maximum IOP decreased from 26.8 mmHg to 23.0 mmHg (P = 0.05). Nineteen (82.6%) eyes required an increase in topical glaucoma medications during the study period, and 13 (56.5%) still required additional therapies after initiation of AC paracenteses. Five eyes (38.5%) required laser or glaucoma drainage device procedures.

CONCLUSION

Serial AC paracenteses reduced immediate postinjection IOP, and along with standard glaucoma care in most patients, reversed preinjection IOP elevation, and stabilized optic nerve changes associated with repeated intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in a subset of patients with sustained elevation of preinjection IOP.

Late and sustained intraocular pressure elevation related to intravitreal anti-VEGF injections: Cases requiring filtering surgery

We report cases of delayed, sustained elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IVI), which ultimately resulted in the need for filtering surgery. Two of the three cases demonstrated severe IOP elevation despite maximal medical treatment following unilateral IVI and required urgent filtering surgery. Optic nerve involvement was severe in all three cases. These intravitreal injections were performed for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the patients did not show any sign of glaucoma or ocular hypertension prior to the initiation of treatment. Elevated IOP secondary to intravitreal steroids is a well-known side effect, as is immediate transient IOP elevation associated with anti-VEGF injection. Late, sustained IOP elevation after repeated injections of anti-VEGF, described approximately ten years ago, is often underestimated. Its incidence is estimated between 2.1 % and 13 % according to studies and increases with the number of IVI (cumulative effect). The pathophysiologic process is becoming increasingly understood, and several risk factors for this chronic IOP elevation have been identified. Most often, it is a moderate IOP elevation for which topical monotherapy is sufficient, or sometimes two, three or four medications or even selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). However, filtering surgery may rarely be required. Our findings illustrate a little-described phenomenon: a sudden, severe, late IOP elevation in response to anti-VEGF by an "overflow" effect, requiring urgent filtering surgery.

[Changes in intraocular pressure after intravitreal injections]

At present, intravitreal drug injections are used for treatment of various diseases of posterior segment of the eye. Among its side effects is significant rise of intraocular pressure (IOP).

PURPOSE

To study the changes in IOP levels after two intravitreal injections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed on a random selection of 335 patients (335 eyes) diagnosed with choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). All the patients received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab according to medical indications. IOP was measured by rebound tonometer Icare-Pro (Icare, Finland) before intravitreal injection, as well as 1 minute, 30 minutes and 3 hours post-injection. Injection was repeated one months after the initial procedure.

RESULTS

Intravitreal injection of additional liquid volume causes significant IOP rise, up to 38 mm Hg in average (confidence interval 30-45 mm Hg, p<0.05), with further tendency for IOP to self-normalize. After 30 minutes, IOP remained slightly higher than the initial level - 18 mm Hg (confidence interval 15-21 mm Hg, p<0.05). After 3 hours, IOP approached baseline level - 14 mm Hg (confidence interval 12-16 mm Hg, p<0.05). After the second injection, IOP was observed to decrease slower, causing more patients (28% compared to 21% after the first injection) to have IOP raised by 6 to 10 mm Hg from the initial level 30 minutes after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The revealed changes can serve as a pathophysiological model for studying changes of biometric parameters of anterior and posterior eye segments and biomechanical properties of fibrous tunic.

Course of Intraocular Pressure after Intravitreal Injection of 0.05 mL Ranibizumab (Lucentis®)

Purpose

This prospective study examines the changes in short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) receiving intravitreal injections of 0.05 mL ranibizumab (Lucentis®) in a supine position.

Methods

A total of 45 eyes (45 patients, 16 M, 29 F, mean age: 78 y) received intravitreal ranibizumab injections for treatment of wet AMD (0.05 mL = 0.5 mg). The IOP was measured by Schiötz tonometry immediately preoperatively and postoperatively, and also after 3 and 10 minutes in a supine position. No history of glaucoma was present.

Results

The mean preoperative IOP was 22.4±5.5 mmHg in supine position. Immediately after the injection, IOP increased to 47.9±15.1 (range 23–82, p<0.001), with 32 eyes (71.1%) >40 and 19 eyes (42.2%) >50 mmHg. The mean difference between preoperative IOP and immediately after the injection was +25.5±13.6 mmHg. IOP decreased spontaneously by the first 3 minutes after operation by 12.6±6.0 mmHg and after 10 minutes by 21±9.4 mmHg. The mean difference between preoperative IOP and 10 minutes postoperatively was +4.6±7.0 mmHg (range: −9.3 to +25.9 mmHg, p<0.001). Eyes without a subconjunctival reflux had a higher increase in IOP than eyes with any reflux (p<0.001).

Conclusions

IOP increased significantly in a considerable number of patients after intravitreal ranibizumab injections. A rapid and spontaneous decline was observed in the majority of cases. If there is no subconjunctival reflux after the injection, the increase in IOP is higher than in eyes with any back-flow under the conjunctiva.

Evolving multidimensional pharmacological approaches to CNV therapy in AMD

PURPOSE

The leading cause of severe visual loss world-wide is age-related macular degeneration. Although anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor agents have significantly led to the initial pharmacologic reversal of vision loss in many cases of exudative macular degeneration, there still has been recurrence of choroidal neovascularization, and/or the onset of chorioretinal atrophy with fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review we discuss the status of anti- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in age-related macular degeneration and describe different studies focused on new potential therapeutic targets beyond anti- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

RESULTS

Further investigations have elicited that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is only one of many angiogenic, and pro-inflammatory factors that bring about the growth and leakage of active choroidal neovascularization. Various new multifaceted strategies, including inhibitors to down-stream targets of endothelial cell division, such as TNP-470, may lead to a more permanent inactivation of choroidal neovascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the accumulated results in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, it is hoped that the appropriate combination of anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor agents with longer-acting and multidimensional pharmaceuticals, such as Methionine Aminopeptidase-2 inhibitors, will more effectively control choroidal neovascularization, prevent atrophy and fibrosis, and reduce the burden of frequent intraocular injections in age-related macular degeneration.