Korean J Ophthalmol.  2024 Apr;38(2):113-121. 10.3341/kjo.2023.0133.

Vitreous Opacity Following Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injection: A Case Series Review

• Lee KH
• Lee SC
• Lee MW

• KMID: 2554165
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2023.0133

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate cases of vitreous opacity (VO) similar to asteroid hyalosis (AH) after intravitreal brolucizumab injection.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify cases showing VO similar to AH among patients who received intravitreal brolucizumab injections at our retinal clinic from January 2022 to January 2023.
Results
A total of 220 brolucizumab injections were administered at our hospital. VO, showing yellow-white brilliant reflective particles, was found in six patients (2.7%). When VO occurred, all patients complained of floaters, although none of them complained of other symptoms including decreased visual acuity, pain, or conjunctival redness. The mean number of brolucizumab injections was 2.57 ± 2.38. No significant visual impairment was observed while VO was present. VO improved in all cases, and four cases improved without any treatment. The mean interval from onset to disappearance of VO was 8.0 ± 3.1 weeks.
Conclusions
VO, similar to AH, can occur with a relatively high probability after intravitreal brolucizumab injections. Patients complained of severe floaters, but VO was not accompanied by other symptoms including vision impairment, injection, and pain. The VO disappeared after approximately 4 to 14 weeks. In case that other inflammatory findings are not severe, close follow-up without treatment may be sufficient. If a patient complains of floaters after an intravitreal brolucizumab injection, close fundus observation is necessary to evaluate the VO.

Keyword

Asteroid hyalosis; Brolucizumab; Intraocular inflammation; Macular degeneration; Vitreous opacity