Incidence and risk factors of intraocular pressure elevation after triamcinolone acetonide administration for macular disorders

PURPOSE: We investigated the incidence and risk factors of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation following triamcinolone administration for macular disorders. METHODS: Intravitreal or posterior sub-Tenon's injections of triamcinolone acetonide were conducted on 119 eyes with macular disorders. The change in IOP was followed for all cases. Risk factors for IOP elevation were examined regarding causal disease, history of vitrectomy, methods of injection, frequency of injection, refractive power, and age. RESULT: The difference between the mean baseline IOP (13.0 +/- 2.9 mmHg) and the maximum mean IOP (21.5 +/- 9.8 mmHg) was statistically significant (p< 0.0001). The final mean IOP was 15.1 +/- 3.6 mmHg. Forty-one eyes (34.5%) had IOP elevation over 21 mmHg during the follow-up. Fifty-nine eyes (49.6%) showed pressure elevation of over 5 mmHg. One eye (1%) required trabeculotomy to control the IOP. Risk factors for the IOP elevation included younger age, high myopia, no history of vitrectomy, and multiple injections. CONCLUSION: Careful follow-up of the IOP is required after triamcinolone acetonide injections.