Short-term intraocular pressure changes after intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg, aflibercept 8 mg and faricimab: a prospective, comparative study

Abstract

Background/aims Intravitreal injection (IVT) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents is the standard of care for several retinal diseases but can cause intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations. This study investigates short-term postinjection IOP changes following aflibercept 8 mg and faricimab, compared with aflibercept 2 mg. Methods This observational, prospective study included 90 patients with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic macular oedema, divided into three groups, receiving aflibercept 2 mg, aflibercept 8 mg or faricimab. IOP was measured using an iCare IC200-tonometer preinjection (T0) and at 30 s (T1), 5 min (T2) and 15 min (T3) postinjection. Primary outcomes included IOP changes at the four time points within and between treatment groups. The incidence of transient visual loss requiring paracentesis was recorded. Results All groups experienced a significant IOP increase at T1, with mean IOP increase being 41.47±12.95 mm Hg for aflibercept 2 mg, 43.46±8.97 mm Hg for aflibercept 8 mg and 32.19±11.06 mm Hg for faricimab. By T2, IOP differences were not significant, and by T3, mean IOP returned within normal limits across all groups. Faricimab showed a smaller initial IOP spike than both aflibercept formulations, but this difference was not statistically significant at T2 and T3. Conclusion Transient IOP spikes are observed post-IVT of aflibercept 8 mg and faricimab, with similar trends to aflibercept 2 mg. The initial IOP elevation normalised within 15 min. Faricimab had a lower initial spike, but overall IOP profiles were comparable across different agents. Data are available on reasonable request.