Subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone acetonide to treat uveitic macular edema

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections for treating uveitic macular edema (UME). Methods: This retrospective case series study included patients with UME who received subconjunctival TA injections with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The main outcome was central macular thickness. The secondary outcomes included the best corrected visual acuity, recurrence rate and intraocular pressure. Results: In total, 68 patients (83 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The mean CMT decreased from 456.9 ± 171.1 μm at baseline to 324 ± 175.9 μm, 305.6 μm ± 147.7 μm, 331.8 ± 154.3 μm and 281.1 ± 147.6 μm at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postinjection, respectively (all P < 0.01). A total of 21/83 eyes exhibited elevated IOPs, which was controlled with topical IOP-lowering agents in 14 eyes, whereas 7 eyes got subconjunctival TA deposit surgically removed. Conclusion: subconjunctival TA injections appear to be safe and effective for UME.Key Words: Triamcinolone acetonide; subconjunctival injection; uveitis; macular edema