Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:02
Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
Published on: July 23, 2016
Intraocular pressure elevation from topical difluprednate use
Kelly Meehan1, Lori Vollmer, Joseph Sowka
1Midwestern University, Arizona College of Optometry, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA. kellymeehanod@gmail.com
Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
|November 30, 2010
Summary
Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion can cause significant intraocular pressure (IOP) increases, even in patients not previously sensitive to steroids. Clinicians should monitor IOP closely when prescribing this potent anti-inflammatory medication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% is a potent topical steroid for ocular inflammation.
- It is associated with a potential increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).
Observation:
- Two cases of patients experiencing significant IOP elevation after switching to difluprednate 0.05% are presented.
- One patient with traumatic uveitis showed an IOP increase from 9 to 48 mmHg.
- Another patient with scleritis experienced an IOP rise from 18 to 34 mmHg.
Findings:
- Difluprednate 0.05% can cause rapid and substantial increases in IOP.
- These pressure elevations were successfully managed by discontinuing the medication and using IOP-lowering agents.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of the risk of significant IOP increase with difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion.
- Close monitoring of IOP is crucial for patients using this medication, especially off-label.
- This highlights the need for careful patient management and consideration of potential side effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...