Intraocular pressure changes during intravitreal aflibercept injection based on treat-and-extend regimen in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma

Purpose: To assess the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal aflibercept injections in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) complicated by glaucoma.

Study design: Retrospective observational study.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 27 eyes of 25 Japanese patients diagnosed with nAMD complicated by glaucoma. The patients were treated with 2 mg/0.05 ml of aflibercept and followed for 52 weeks according to a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen after 3 consecutive monthly injections. The IOP of each eye was measured at each visit using non-contact tonometry. IOP changes as well as additional glaucoma treatments during 52 weeks were recorded.

Results: The mean of aflibercept injections was 8.3 ± 1.9. The mean IOP at baseline was 14.0 ± 3.1 mmHg, and the mean IOP after aflibercept therapy was 13.0 ± 2.4 mmHg at the final visit (P = 0.0463). No patients received additional glaucoma treatment of eye drops or surgery.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that intravitreal aflibercept injections may be beneficial for patients with nAMD complicated by glaucoma.