Repeated Intravitreal Injections Linked to Increased Glaucoma Risk

Dr. Jeremy Wingard discusses a study he conducted at his practice showing a high rate of ocular hypertension and glaucoma among patients receiving repeated intravitreal injections. Included in his analysis were 1,100 patients from the Wheaton Eye Clinic who received unilateral injections. Fellow eyes were used as controls. Approximately 4% of patients developed glaucoma in their study eye, with the risk increasing to 35% in those receiving more than 25 injections. Patients treated medically were on a mean of 2.6 drops, and more than one-third required surgery. Dr. Wingard believes the high rate of glaucoma found at his clinic, compared with previous peer-reviewed studies, may be due to the structure of the Wheaton Eye Clinic, a multi-specialty clinic that allows for easy referrals and continuity of care.