Alterations in Central Retinal Sensitivity After Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection for Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To evaluate alterations in central retinal sensitivity following intravitreal triamcinolone injection in patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema that persisted after laser treatment. Methods:Fifteen eyes of ten patients who received 4 mg 0.1 cc intravitreal triamcinolone were performed macular threshold test using computerized visual field analyzer before and after 2 months of injection. Pre– and postinjection values of total defect depth, macular light sensitivity and best corrected visual acuity were compared and correlated. Results:Total defect depth improved from 120.6 ± 69.6 dB (mean ± standard deviation) to 98.6 ± 61.9 dB (P=0.03). Visual acuity increased from 0.09 ± 0.14 (decimal fraction) to 0.12 ± 0.16 (P=0.027). Macular light sensitivity increased from 275.6 ± 103.9 dB to 295.9 ± 93.5dB, but this value did not reach significance (P=0.084). There was correlation between postinjection visual acuity and preinjection values of visual acuity (rho=0.72, P=0.004), total defect depth (rho= – 0.58, P=0.029) and macular light sensitivity (rho=0.57, P=0.033). Conclusions:Total defect depth in the central retina recovered after triamcinolone injection. Baseline visual acuity, total defect depth and macular light sensitivity showed significant correlation to postinjection visual acuity. Macular threshold test can be a valuable tool in predicting postinjection visual acuity in addition to baseline visual acuity in patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema after intravitreal triamcinolone injection.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • visual fields • corticosteroids