Reduction of intraocular pressure with anecortave acetate in eyes with ocular steroid injection-related glaucoma

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering potential of anecortave acetate (AA) in eyes with steroid-related ocular hypertension inadequately controlled with the maximal tolerated or appropriate medical therapy.

Design: Uncontrolled case series.

Methods: A total of 8 eyes of 7 subjects with medically uncontrolled IOP following intravitreal or sub-Tenon injections of triamcinolone acetonide were included. All received an 0.8-mL anterior juxtascleral depot of 3% AA solution (24 mg) under topical anesthesia. The IOP was assessed weekly for the first month, then monthly for a minimum of 1 year.

Results: The mean baseline IOP was 39.9 mm Hg. After 1 week, the mean IOP decreased 12 mm Hg (29%; P = .005) and by 1 month, the mean IOP had decreased 14.1 mm Hg (34.5%; P = .003) from baseline. Four eyes required surgical intervention despite a decrease in IOP because of markedly elevated initial IOP and the degree of preexisting glaucomatous optic neuropathy. We observed no adverse events.

Conclusions: An anterior juxtascleral depot of AA lowers IOP substantially in some eyes with medically uncontrolled steroid-related ocular hypertension. Further study is warranted to clarify the role of AA in treating this condition as well as other forms of glaucoma.