Abstract
This study aimed to report the clinical outcome of intravitreal injections of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The study enrolled 20 eyes of 19 patients with persistent diabetic macular edema. Full ocular examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), tonometry, retinal examination with +90D lens and average foveal retinal thickness using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) were monitored before and then weekly for up to four weeks after the injection. All eyes received intravitreal triamcinolone acetinide (IVTA) (4 mg/0.1 ml) under topical anesthesia with Proparacaine 0.5% eye drops. BCVA at one week improved by two lines or more in six eyes (30%) and in nine eyes (45%) at four weeks. However, no significant improvement in mean BCVA from baseline was observed at one week (p>0.05) and four weeks (p>0.05). Mean retinal thickness (RT) were 411±179µm at baseline, 349±102µm at one week after the injection (p0.05), and 380±159µm at four weeks (p>0.05). One week after the injection, significant regression of macular edema was seen. However recurrence occurred at four weeks. No significant complications such as visual loss, endophthalmitis, significant raise in intraocular pressure or systemic complications developed. In conclusion, no significant changes in BCVA, IOP and RT were observed in the short-term observation after the IVTA. These findings need a larger sample size and a longer term observation to monitor the potential systemic and ocular side effects in Iraqi patients.
Highlights
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of visual loss in patients with diabetes mellitus
In view of uncertainties in the treatment of Diabetic macular edema (DME), the aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetinide (IVTA) in reducing macular edema, decreasing the central foveal retinal thickness and improving visual acuity
Many clinical investigators have found that intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) may reduce macular edema[8]
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of visual loss in patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic macular edema (DME), which can occur at any stage of DR, is characterized by increased vascular permeability and deposition of hard exudates at the central retina. Diabetic macular edema is the principal cause of vision loss in people with diabetes[1]. According to the results of the early treatment of diabetic retinopathy, DME has usually been treated by focal laser photocoagulation of leaking circumscribed retinal areas[2]. Other studies showed that visual acuity usually does not improve with laser treatment once it's decreased[4,5]. In view of uncertainties in the treatment of DME, the aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of IVTA in reducing macular edema, decreasing the central foveal retinal thickness and improving visual acuity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
