The Efficacy of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for Macular Edema in Branched Retinal Vein Occlusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the administration of an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for the treatment of macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Forty-four patients with BRVO were enrolled in this study. At the first and third month after the injection of triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 cc), the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured by Snellen chart and the thickness of macula by OCT. RESULTS: BCVA and the macular thickness were not correlated in BRVO. Average BCVA was 0.99 (log MAR), and the mean macular thickness was 498 micrometer before injection. At the third month after injection, the results were 0.7 (log MAR) and 258 micrometer, respectively. Although 3 eyes experienced a transient increase of intraocular pressure, there were no serious complications affecting visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Macular edema and various other factors are considered as the causes of decreased visual acuity in BRVO. IVTA is effective in treating macular edema but not in improving visual acuity.