Acute Anterior Uveitis Following Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report five cases of iritis after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical charts of patients who received intravitreal injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab from January 2009 to September 2011 by one physician were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 1,097 injections of bevacizumab and 571 of ranibizumab were administered. Five patients developed acute anterior uveitis and presented with severe pain, photophobia, conjunctival injection, and anterior chamber reaction 2 to 24 hours after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. All five patients were treated with topical corticosteroids with rapid resolution of the inflammation. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, acute iritis is a complication of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.