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IOP increase seen with Ozurdex common but easily managed
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LONDON — A subanalysis of data from the MEAD study showed increased IOP resulting from use of Ozurdex for the treatment of diabetic macular edema was well-managed with medication and did not affect visual and anatomic outcomes, a speaker here said.
Three-year results of the study, which included 1,048 patients, demonstrated the efficacy of Ozurdex (dexamethasone 0.7 mg intravitreal implant, Allergan); however, increased IOP was common, according to Rubens Belfort Jr., MD, PhD.
Rubens Belfort Jr
“IOP increase was a common event and was more frequent and higher with the higher concentration of the steroid agent,” Belfort said at the Euretina Congress.
A constant “up and down” pattern was observed in relation to treatment cycles and initially raised concern about long-term effects and consequences, according to Belfort.
“But, IOP went back to baseline each time by 6 months. No cumulative effect was observed after repeated injections,” he said.
Pressure increase was controlled by medications, or by simple observation in some cases. Only in one case of trabeculectomy due to steroid-induced IOP increase was performed.
Patients with IOP increase were just as likely as patients with no IOP increase to gain 15 or more letters, according to Belfort. No correlation was found between IOP and change in central retinal thickness.
Disclosure: Belfort is consultant to Allergan.