Predictive Factors for Visual Acuity After Intravitreal Triamcinolone Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

To evaluate which factors influence maximum gain in best-corrected visual acuity after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide as treatment for diffuse diabetic macular edema. This prospective clinical interventional study included 53 eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema receiving an intravitreal injection of about 20 mg of triamcinolone. The mean +/- SD follow-up was 10.2 +/- 7.6 months. In a multiple linear regression analysis, maximum gain in best-corrected visual acuity after the intravitreal injection of triamcinolone was significantly (P < .001) and negatively correlated with an increased degree of macular ischemia and a higher preoperative visual acuity. Improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was significantly and positively correlated with increased degree of macular edema (P = .001). Change in best-corrected visual acuity after the intravitreal triamcinolone injection was statistically independent (P > .15) of age, sex, pseudophakia, and macula grid laser treatment before inclusion into the study. The results were comparable for gain in visual acuity at 6 months after the injection. Pronounced macular edema may have a positive impact, and marked macular ischemia and a high preoperative best-corrected visual acuity may have a negative impact, on an increase in best-corrected visual acuity after intravitreal triamcinolone injection in patients with diabetic macular edema.