Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection for Uveitic Cystoid Macular Edema

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the results of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for the treatment of chronic uveitic cystoid macular edema (CME). METHODS: Six patients, 8 eyes with refractory uveitic CME were included in the study. Four milligrams of TA was injected into the vitreous cavity. The clinical outcome and complication were reviewed, retrospectively. RESULTS: Ten intravitreal injections of TA were performed, and the mean follow-up duration was 10.4 months (6~19 months). Foveal retinal thickness diminished and CME improved anatomically in 7 (88%) eyes. Visual acuity improved by 1.75 lines of the Snellen chart in 6 (75%) eyes, and the time to improvement varied from 1 week to 8 months. Inflammation decreased in all eyes and there was symptomatic improvement in 6 (75%) eyes. CME recurred in 3 (38%) eyes at 4 to 16 weeks and re-treatments were performed in 2 eyes. Intraocular pressure increased in 3 eyes and one eye needed additional filtration surgery. Cataract worsened in one eye. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal triamcinolone injection effectively induced anatomic and symptomatic resolution, and decreased inflammation in uveitic CME patients. Nevertheless, the visual improvement was modest, and consideration for recurrence and complication is necessary.