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

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.