Short-term effects and safety of an acute increase of intraocular pressure after intravitreal bevacizumab injection on corneal endothelial cells

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate short-term effects and safety of an acute increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) after single-dose intravitreal bevacizumab injection on corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness. METHODS: Forty-two patients who underwent intravitreal injection of 2.5 mg/0.1 ml bevacizumab because of central serous chorioretinopathy or diabetic macular edema were included in this study. The changes of IOP, corneal endothelial cells, and corneal thickness at baseline, 2 min, 5 min, and 30 min after injection were analyzed prospectively with a specular microscope. RESULTS: In all patients, the mean IOPs at baseline, 2 min, 5 min, and 30 min after injection were 11.48 ± 2.22 mmHg, 49.71 ± 10.73 mmHg, 37.64 ± 11.68 mmHg, and 14.88 ± 4.77 mmHg, respectively. These changes were significant (p < 0.01). In only one eye, IOP did not decrease to ≤30 mmHg even at 30 min after injection. According to changes in IOP with time, the coefficient of variation of the corneal endothelium significantly increased (p = 0.03), but cell density, hexagonality of the corneal endothelium, and central corneal thickness did not change (p = 0.79, 0.21, and 0.08, prospectively). One week after injection, there was no sign of inflammation or any other complications in all 42 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: After intravitreal injection, IOP rapidly increases, then decreases to the normal range in most eyes 30 min after injection and it is tolerable to corneal endothelium. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea, KCT0002645. Retrospectively registered 9 January 2018.