Changes in Intraocular Pressure with Use of Periocular Triamcinolone Cream

To evaluate the effect of periocular topical triamcinolone cream on intraocular pressure.

A retrospective chart review identified 57 patients, 114 eyes using triamcinolone cream (0.1%, 0.025%) with subsequent intraocular pressure (IOP) checks at three follow-up visits. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess effects of age, therapy duration, consecutive weeks on steroid, prescription strength, time of day, and method of measurement on IOP levels. Generalized Estimating Equations were used in regression models to account for correlation of eyes within subjects and across visits.

We identified 57 patients using triamcinolone cream for allergic or eczematous dermatitis of the eyelid. Prescription strengths were 0.025% or 0.1% and patients were followed for a median of 4.9 months. Measurements of IOP at baseline did not change as compared to all IOP measurements at follow-ups and did not change with steroid strength. The mean change in IOP at all follow-up visits was 0.07 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.36, 0.50). After adjustment for the method of tonometer and the patient’s age, the mean change was 0.03 mm Hg (95% CI: –0.68, 0.73, P = 0.93). Prescription strength and consecutive weeks of therapy were not associated with IOP. Two patients experienced a significant elevation in IOP of >10 mm Hg, one through the concomitant consequences of systemic corticosteroids usage and the other through prolonged topical application.

In patients taking periocular triamcinolone cream, there was no clinically meaningful change in mean IOP between baseline and follow-up visits, and IOP measurements were not related to variances in prescription strength or duration of therapy.