Results of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Macular edema is one of the most common causes of visual loss in patients with retinal vein oclusions. Intravitreal corticosteroids and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors are modalities of treatment for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide therapy in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO.

SETTING: A retrospective clinical interventional study included 32 patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO.

METHOD: The records of 32 eyes of 32 patients who received 4 mg/0.1 mL injection of intravitreal triamcinlone for macular edema secondary to BRVO were evaluated. Patients with visual acuity <0.40 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), central macular thickness (CMT) >260 μm and no neovascularization at baseline were included. Patients with diabetes mellitus, a history of intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor injection, grid laser photocoagulation and ischemic BRVO were excluded. The re-injections were performed in cases with increased CMT >100 μm or vision loss of five or more letters.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 12 ± 1.9 months. The visual acuity increased from 0.58 ± 0.16 at baseline to 0.25 ± 0.11 logMAR (P < 0.001). The CMT decreased from 490 ± 107 μm at baseline to 266 ± 90 μm at 12 months (P < 0.001). Both cataract and glaucoma developed in 18.75 % patients.

CONCLUSION: Intravitreal triamcinolone, due to absence of systemic side effects, can be used with confidence for treatment macular edema secondary to BRVO. However the main disadvantages of intravitreal triamcinolone injection are elevation of intraocular pressure and formation of cataract.