Does intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration affect long-term intraocular pressure?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 83 eyes that received intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration were enrolled. IOP measurements at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and at the last follow-up after injection were analyzed. On the basis of the median number of injections, the changes in IOP were compared. RESULTS: The mean number of injections was 3.71±1.62. There was no significantly higher elevation than baseline IOP (14.11±2.76 mm Hg) after multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (P>0.05). In the group which had ≥4 injections, mean IOP measurements were not higher compared with the group which had 0.05). In the patients with preexisting glaucoma (3 eyes), there were no significant increases of IOP during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: IOP elevation was not observed during the long-term follow-up period. In addition, the numbers of injection and preexisting glaucoma did not affect IOP changes.