Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injections of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of macular edema.
Methods: :
A retrospective non–comparative chart review of 53 eyes of 49 patients who had undergone intravitreal steroid injections. Indications for treatment included post–operative CME (22 eyes), diabetic macular edema (16 eyes), uveitis (5 eyes), retinal venous occlusion (6 eyes), Coat’s disease (2 eyes), and parafoveal telangectasia (1 eye). Patients were re–examined at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to assess visual acuity, intraocular pressure and the presence of complications. A fluorescein angiogram was performed prior to and at 3 months post–treatment. A total of 80 injections were administered and patients were followed for an average of 10 months (range 2–24 months).
Results: :
Intravitreal triamcinalone acetonide was effective in resolving CME both angiographically and clinically in 18/53 eyes at 3 months. Recurrence or persistence of CME developed in 35/53 eyes. Visual improvement occurred following 55/80 injections (average: –0.29 logMAR units). Complications included steroid–induced IOP elevation (20/53), cataract (3/53), corneal edema (2/53), and endophthalmitis (2/53).
Conclusions: :
Intravitreal TA can be effective in resolving CME resulting from a multitude of causes. Visual improvement may accompany the resolution of macular edema. Patients must be monitored for the development of complications, with the most frequent being steroid–induced elevation of the intraocular pressure.
Keywords: macula/fovea • injection