INCIDENCE OF STEROID-RELATED OCULAR HYPERTENSION AND CATARACT FORMATION AFTER SUB-TENON TRIAMCINOLONE IN NONUVEITIC PEDIATRIC PATIENTS.

Abstract

To describe intraocular pressure changes after injection of sub-Tenon triamcinolone during examination under anesthesia for pediatric patients. Multicenter, retrospective case series of pediatric patients who received sub-Tenon triamcinolone from three tertiary care ophthalmic services between November 2018 and October 2023. Of 392 patients identified, 59 eyes (10.5%) of 41 patients were included. Laser was administered in 95.1% of the cases. Sub-Tenon triamcinolone dose ranged from 4 to 20 mg. The most common diagnosis was retinopathy of prematurity (43.9%). Two eyes (3.4%) of two patients (4.9%) were mild steroid responders. One eye (1.7%) of 1 patient (2.4%) was a moderate responder. There were no high steroid responders, and all eyes with steroid response showed a return of intraocular pressure to normal range at next visit without needing any intraocular pressure-lowering medications. No patients were diagnosed with glaucoma or required glaucoma surgery. Only 1 eye (1.7%) developed trace posterior subcapsular cataract, whereas no optic disk cupping or inflammation were noted. Sub-Tenon triamcinolone injection is commonly used to prevent inflammation at the time of retinal photocoagulation treatment in pediatric patients. It has a favorable safety profile in relation to intraocular pressure elevation and cataract formation. There was no requirement for intraocular pressure-lowering medications or surgical interventions.