Axial Length as a Risk Factor for Steroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension

In this study, we aimed to assess whether axial length (AXL) is a true risk factor for steroid-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). We hypothesized that the proportion of patients with steroid-induced OHT among individuals who have received intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) injections would differ according to the AXL of their eyes.

A single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 467 eyes that underwent DEX implant injection owing to various retinal diseases. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured before the injection and 1 week and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after the injection. Enrolled patients were divided into OHT and normal IOP groups. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios of steroid-induced OHT with significant variables being analyzed using a multivariable model.

A longer AXL was identified as a risk factor for steroid-induced OHT via both univariable and multivariable analyses, with an odds ratio of 1.216 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004-1.472, p=0.0452]. The optimal cut-off value for AXL in terms of steroid-induced OHT was 23.585 mm, with an odds ratio of 2.355 (95% CI: 1.429-3.882, p=0.0008).

Our findings indicate that a long AXL is a risk factor for steroid-induced OHT. Further, clinicians should be aware of steroid-induced OHT when treating patients with high myopia with steroids.