No IOP-Elevation in patients treated with Anti-VEGF ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema

Abstract

Purpose: Recent studies indicated an IOP-elevation in patients with age related macular degeneration secondary to Anti-VEGF therapy. Review of the IOP evolution in patients under Anti-VEGF treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of IOP in patients with DME being under ranibizumab treatment between April 2011 and July 2012.

Results: 176 eyes with DME were treated with ranibizumab. At first presentation the mean IOP was 15.69mmHg whereas 19 eyes had a history of glaucoma. The mean number of injections was 3.85 till July 2012. Mean IOPs measured in April 2011 (+/- 3 months) and in July 2012 (+/- 3 months) were 15.36mmHg and 15.12mmHg respectively. The mean maximum IOP in the time period under ranibizumab treatment was 17.83mmHg, ranging from 10 to 33mmHg. 5 eyes had a maximum IOP of ≥ 25mmHg. Two eyes with maximum IOP > 30 had a history of glaucoma. Patients with a history of glaucoma had higher mean baseline IOP (17.78mmHg) and higher mean maximum IOP (20.83mmHg).

Conclusions: For DME patients without history of glaucoma no clinically relevant IOP changes were noticed under Anti-VEGF treatment with ranibizumab. A longterm follow up is planned.

Keywords: 498 diabetes • 568 intraocular pressure • 688 retina