Intraocular Pressure Control for Patients Undergoing Combination Intravitreal Anti-VEGF and Dexamethasone Therapy for Macular Edema from Retinal Vein Occlusion

Background and Objective: Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant is an effective treatment for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) but ocular hypertension is a side effect. This study evaluated whether the addition of a single combination IOP-lowering medication will reliably control intraocular pressure (IOP) for those patients. Study Design/Patients and Methods: Retrospective chart review of 62 patients that underwent multiple injections of combination anti-VEGF and sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema secondary to RVO. IOP spikes were treated with brimonidine 0.2% - timolol 0.5%. IRB approval was obtained. Results: The average elevated IOP requiring treatment was 28.6 mmHg. The average IOP after adding brimonidine 0.2% - timolol 0.5% was 16.7 mmHg. 100 percent of treatment cycles had an IOP< 30 mmHg after starting treatment. Conclusions: Using one combination IOP-lowering drop can reliably control the ocular hypertension that occurs secondary to combination therapy for macular edema in RVO.