Abstract
Purpose: :
We sought to characterize the long-term efficacy and complications of subconjunctival steroid injection (SCI) for non-necrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis.
Methods: :
97 eyes of 80 patients with non-necrotizing and non-infectious scleritis who underwent subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone acetonide (4-40 mg depending on type of scleritis) were selected from 10 participating clinical centers in the US, Israel, Singapore, and Australia.
Results: :
Average follow-up was 28 months (range 1-100 months). 87 eyes (90%) experienced resolution of signs and symptoms after one injection. 24 months after injection, 65% of eyes remained recurrence free while at 48 months, 45% were recurrence free. 12 eyes had ocular hypertension not requiring IOP-lowering therapy. 2 patients were treated with topical IOP-lowering agents alone while 3 needed surgical intervention for glaucoma. None developed scleral thinning or necrosis.
Conclusions: :
SCI can effectively treat anterior scleritis with side effects limited to elevated intraocular pressure in few patients. Intraocular pressure should be closely monitored after SCI.
Keywords: sclera • inflammation • injection