Intraocular complications after caudal epidural steroid injection for discogenic lumbar pain with radiculopathy

Abstract

Background: Epidural steroid injection is a common intervention for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. It is safe, but not absolutely free from complications. Visual complications and adverse intraocular events are sparse in the literature. This study is done to determine any intraocular complication after caudal epidural steroid injection for discogenic low back pain and radiculopathy. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study, conducted from April 2018 to December 2019 by the orthopedics and ophthalmology departments of our institute. A total of 31 patients were recruited based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. All the patients presented to this institute with complaints of low back pain and sciatica were investigated. After proper diagnosis, the decision was made for caudal epidural steroid injection as per the standard principles of orthopedic surgery. Eye evaluations (intraocular pressure [IOP], visual acuity, and ocular examination) were done 1 day before, and 2–4 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks after epidural injection. The differences in eye evaluation values between time points were determined and discussed. Results: A total of 31 patients were recruited for this study, out of which the majority of the patients (27 patients) were between 41 and 60 years of age, and males (22 patients) outnumbered females (nine patients). Most of the patients (17 patients) had prolapsed IV disc of L5-S1. IOP was found to be raised after the intervention of epidural steroid injection which gradually came down to a preinjection level within 2 weeks. There was no change in visual acuity and no other intraocular complications, like hemorrhages. Conclusion: Epidural steroid injection for discogenic low backache (LBA) with radiculopathy did not adversely affect IOP, and neither had any ocular complication (in an ophthalmologically normal set of patients). A prudent approach should always be implemented.