Retina and glaucoma: therapeutic considerations

This review describes the possible interactions between several retinal diseases, their treatment, and intraocular pressure (IOP). The use of the intravitreal route in the delivery of drugs to the retina has recently gained widespread acceptance with the development of the VEGF inhibitors and glucocorticoids such as triamcinolone. Although the intravitreal route offers high local concentrations in the vitreous, in the retina these advantages are offset by side effects, particularly short-term and chronic elevation of IOP. This review describes the clinical features of steroid glaucoma induced by triamcinolone or sustained-release systems of glucocorticoid drugs. Another aspect of the relationships between glaucoma and retina is also described: published reports of the occurrence of cystoid macular edema (CME) in eyes being treated with the prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) have led to concern regarding a possible causal relationship between the two. A review of the literature suggests that most PGA-treated eyes with CME had independent risk for development of CME, with a disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier: open or absent posterior capsule, history of dipivefrin-associated CME, epiretinal membrane, complicated cataract surgery, history of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion, ocular inflammation, and diabetes mellitus. In eyes at risk for CME, the use of PGAs is acceptable but must be prudent.