The Effect of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection Combined With Vitrectomy for Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To determine if intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide enhances the surgical effect of vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Ten eyes of eight patients (group 1; 3 men and 5 women; age 69.8±8.6 y.o.) who underwent vitrectomy with intravitreal injection of 4mg of triamcinolone acetonide through scleral ports at the end of the operation were compared with the control group of six eyes of three patients (group 2; 3 men; age 60.0±5.0 y.o.) who underwent vitrectomy without the injection. Central macular thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after the operation. Results: The postoperative central macular thickness of the eyes with triamcinolone (group 1) decreased to 47% after 1 month and 51% after 3 months, while in group 2 it decreased to 73% and 59%, respectively. The difference in the reduction of central macular thickness was statistically significant in the first month (p=0.0023). No side effect was observed except a temporary increase of intraocular pressure. Conclusions: Intravitreal triamcinolone is effective in early reduction of central macular thickness in eyes with DME.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • vitreoretinal surgery • drug toxicity/drug effects