Triamcinolone acetonide-induced ocular hypertension.

Author(s): Jonas JB, Sauder G, Budde WM, Spandau UH, Kamppeter BA, Harder B

Affiliation(s): Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Jost.Jonas@augen.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

Publication date & source: 2006-08, J Ocul Pharmacol Ther., 22(4):247-50.

Publication type: Case Reports

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report on the clinical course of a patient showing markedly increased intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: A 33-year-old patient received an intravitreal injection of approximately 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) as treatment of otherwise therapy-resistant uveitis. She experienced an IOP rise to values over 40 mmHg for a period for more than 3 months, despite maximal antiglaucomatous medical therapy. Peak IOP was 55 mmHg. RESULTS: Neither confocal scanning laser tomography nor qualitative assessment of optic disc photographs nor perimetry showed development of glaucomatous changes. Scanning laser polarimetry of the retinal nerve fiber layer suggested a slight loss in the nasal upper fundus quadrant. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively young patients with a pronounced TA-induced rise in IOP, unresponsive to maximal antiglaucomatous medication, may not necessarily undergo antiglaucomatous surgery if the rise in IOP does not last longer than approximately 3 months.