Formulated Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Versus Triamcinolone Alone in The Management of Macular Edema Secondary to Non-Ischemic Retinal Vein Occlusions

Abstract

Article informationBackground: Visual impairment, and even blindness, can result from Retinal Vein Occlusion [RVO], making it the second most common vascular disorder of the retina after diabetic retinopathy. Aim of the Work:To evaluate the effectiveness of the posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide [PSTA] alone or formulated in the treatment of macular edema caused by central or branch nonischemic retinal vein occlusions.Patients and Methods: Our study included 78 patients, divided into two groups; Formulated PSTA group and PSTA alone group, each of them 39 patients. The NAGATA subtenon cannula was used to administer 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide [TA] to both groups via the posterior subtenon channel.Results: At one month, the BCVA improved from 0.4 [0.1 -0.71] at the baseline to 0.80 [0.10-1.00] in the formulated group, unlike PSTA alone group which was no improvement. This was associated with a reduction in the CMT in the formulated group more than in the PSTA alone group. In the third month, the BCVA increased to 0.90 [0.20-1.00] in formulated group and remain constant in the sixth month. However, in PSTA alone group, the improvement in the BCVA started occurring in the third month which increases from 0.40 [0.10-0.90] at the baseline and the first month to 0.60 [0.20-1.00] in the third month and 0.80 [0.20-1.00] at sixth month. No elevation in the IOP in both groups. Conclusion:We found that formulated TA is more efficacious than TA alone in improving BCVA and lowering CMT in patients with ME related to Non-Ischemic RVO when administered early in the disease process, without causing any elevation in intraocular pressure.