Intraocular Inflammation Following Intravitreal Faricimab Injection in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Inflammatory Eye Conditions

Background:

• Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often requires repeated anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.
• Intravitreal (IVT) faricimab is used in cases unresponsive to other anti-VEGF agents.

Observation:

• Three patients with neovascular AMD developed intraocular inflammation (IOI) after IVT faricimab injections.
• Presentations included vitritis and anterior uveitis within days of treatment.
• No retinal vasculitis or occlusion was observed in these cases.

Findings:

• All patients responded successfully to topical steroid treatment.
• One patient with a history of IOI after IVT brolucizumab also experienced IOI after faricimab.
• The occurrence of IOI post-faricimab, though reported, necessitates awareness of its varied presentations.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for IOI following IVT faricimab.
• Vigilant monitoring and prompt management are crucial, especially in sight-threatening situations.
• Further investigation into potential immunological mechanisms in patients with prior IOI is warranted.