Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for the Treatment of Macula Edema Due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) to treat macula edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods: : Twenty–five eyes of 25 consecutive BRVO patients with macula edema with best–corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/30 or less were included. The patients received one 4–mg intravitreal injection of TA. The BCVA and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the TA injection.

Results: : The mean logMAR visual acuity level was 0.60±0.45 at baseline and improved significantly to 0.28±0.37 at 1 month (p<0.01), 0.29±0.32 at 3 months (p<0.01), and 0.26±0.32 at 6 months (p<0.01). The BCVA improved by 3 lines or more in 14 patients (56%); no patient lost 3 or more lines of BCVA at 6 months. The IOP increased by greater than 10 mmHg compared with baseline in 4 patients (16%). No serious adverse effects developed.

Conclusions: : Intravitreal injection of TA achieved a significant improvement of BCVA in patients with macula edema secondary to BRVO for the short term after the injection. TA seems to be a safe and effective treatment for BRVO. Further follow–up is required to determine if macula edema recurs after the treatment of BRVO.

Keywords: vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease • macula/fovea • injection