Intraocular pressure changes after posterior sub-Tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide in a sample of Iraqi patients with noninfectious uveitis.

Abstract

Purpose: Given the wide variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) response after posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) injection among different ethnicities, this study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of raised IOP following injection with posterior STTA in a sample of Iraqi patients with noninfectious uveitis and evaluate the main predictors of increased IOP.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective clinical study conducted at the Ibn Al-Haitham Eye Teaching Hospital Uveitis Clinic between October 2, 2022, and April 1, 2024. The study included patients with noninfectious uveitis requiring treatment with posterior STTA injection. The included patients had a baseline IOP measurement before receiving 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. IOP measurements were then taken at 1 week and 1 month after the injection using a Keeler applanation tonometer. All measurements were performed by the same experienced ophthalmologist using the same device.

Results: A total of 60 patients with noninfectious uveitis who received posterior STTA injections were included in the study, consisting of 29 females and 31 males. The mean age in this study was 30.52, with a standard deviation (STD) 17.19. Thirty-one patients (51.7%) had significant IOP elevation over 1 month (more than 21 mmHg). Younger age was found to be significantly related to higher elevation in IOP over time (P < .000). There was a significant change in the IOP over the period.

Conclusion: There was a significant increase in IOP over the period from 1 week to 1 month. The change in IOP during this time was significantly related to age.