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Review
. 2021 Dec 1;30(12):1019-1026.
doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000001894.

Intraocular Pressure Elevation Following Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections: Short- and Long-term Considerations

Ariana M Levin  1 , Craig J Chaya  1 , Malik Y Kahook  2 , Barbara M Wirostko  1
Affiliations
Review

Intraocular Pressure Elevation Following Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections: Short- and Long-term Considerations

Ariana M Levin et al. J Glaucoma. .

Abstract

Published studies agree that transient intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes are common after intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. Currently, there is no standard of care guiding if and when to prevent these IOP spikes. Furthermore, there are challenges in determining the impact of postinjection IOP elevation on the health of the retinal ganglion cells, particularly given the often-existing comorbidities of retinal and glaucoma pathology. This review highlights the current literature regarding both acute and chronic postinjection IOP elevations and discusses management of postinjection IOP elevation, especially in patients at high risk for glaucomatous damage.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
It has been proposed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases nitric oxide production in trabecular meshwork (TM), with downstream alteration of TM cell structure. These changes in cell structure open the TM lumen through which aqueous flows. Anti-VEGF agents would inhibit this mechanism and decrease aqueous outflow.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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