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

Abstract

Purpose: 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 intra-vitreal dexamethasone (DEX) injections would differ according to the AXL of their eyes. Materials and Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 467 eyes that underwent DEX im-plant 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 re-gression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios of steroid-induced OHT with significant variables being analyzed using a multi -variable model. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.