Predictors of sustained intraocular pressure elevation in eyes receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

Purpose To determine the intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection techniques and preferences within the retinal community and to identify potential factors associated with the development of sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Cross-sectional physician survey. Methods Five hundred and thirty retina specialists spanning both private and academic practices were surveyed regarding current anti-VEGF intravitreal injection protocols, including the anti-VEGF drug of choice, needle gauge, injection volume, injection technique, and self-reported prevalence of sustained IOP elevation. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the potential influence of these factors on long-term IOP. Results Two hundred ninety-two specialists (55%) reported believing that intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy may cause sustained IOP elevation. Of these responses, the most common reported prevalence was 1%-2% (48%), followed by 3%-5% (34%). There was no relationship between the frequency of sustained IOP elevation and anti-VEGF drug of choice. Physicians who injected greater than 0.05 cc in less than 1 second were 5.56 times more likely to observe a high frequency of sustained IOP elevation (P =.006, 95% CI 1.64-18.89). Conclusions Based on physician survey data, serial anti-VEGF injections using higher injection volumes with a rapid injection technique may potentially lead to sustained IOP elevation. The underlying mechanism for this complication may be injury to the trabecular meshwork resulting from rapid elevations in IOP. Further investigation of the relationship between injection techniques and sustained IOP elevation in the form of retrospective or prospective clinical studies is warranted.