Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
07:13
An Alternative and Validated Injection Method for Accessing the Subretinal Space via a Transcleral Posterior Approach
Published on: December 7, 2016
Ultra-Early OCT Changes After Intravitreal Injection: Evidence Consistent with Transient Mechanical Compression.
Yehya Tlaiss1,2, John Warrak1,2, Elias Warrak1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Balamand, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
Vision (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Ultra-early optical coherence tomography (OCT) thinning after intravitreal injections is likely due to mechanical compression, not drug effects. Caution is advised when interpreting early retinal thickness changes to assess treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Intravitreal injections are common treatments for retinal diseases.
- Ultra-early changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT) post-injection are not well understood.
- The temporal profile of these changes needs rigorous statistical characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal profile of ultra-early optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes following intravitreal injections.
- To determine if these early changes reflect mechanical compression or pharmacologic effects.
- To assess the correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal thickness changes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 40 eyes with macular edema (nAMD, DME, CSR).
- Intravitreal bevacizumab or triamcinolone acetonide injections administered.
- Spectral-domain OCT and Goldmann applanation tonometry performed at multiple time points (baseline, 2-5 min, 15±5 min, 24h, 48h).
- Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA, linear regression, and Spearman rank correlation.
Main Results:
- Central subfield thickness (CST) significantly decreased by 15±5 min post-injection (mean -24.8%).
- Retinal thickness showed near-complete rebound by 48 hours.
- Peak IOP elevation correlated significantly with CST reduction (Spearman r=0.61, p<0.001).
- Baseline CST predicted the magnitude of thinning (R²=0.52, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Ultra-early OCT thinning post-intravitreal injection is consistent with transient mechanical compression.
- Early anatomic reduction in retinal thickness may not reflect true pharmacologic efficacy.
- Retinal thickness measurements within 48 hours require cautious interpretation for treatment response assessment.
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...
01:28Angle 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...