Posterior sub-Tenon's Capsule Research Articles

Comparison of intravitreal preservative-free triamcinolone versus posterior sub-tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection for bevacizumab-resistant diabetic macular edema

BackgroundTriamcinolone acetonide (TA) is administered as an intravitreal or posterior sub-Tenon’s capsule injection, as treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME). The intravitreal use of TA is limited because commercially available triamcinolone acetonide contains benzyl alcohol, a neurotoxic preservative. Few studies have compared effects of preservative-free intravitreal TA (IVTA) and posterior sub-Tenon capsule TA (STTA) injections for DME. Thus, herein, we compared the effectiveness of preservative-free IVTA and STTA for treatment of bevacizumab-resistant DME.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, bevacizumab-resistant DME was defined as a lack of response to at least three consecutive intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections. Changes in mean central macula thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) between IVTA and STTA groups were compared at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment.ResultsForty eyes from 40 patients were included in this study. In the IVTA group, the mean CMT improved significantly from 400.2 ± 144.42 μm at baseline to 288.35 ± 151.74 μm at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.01). Similarly, in the STTA group, the mean CMT improved significantly from 446.65 ± 120.74 μm at baseline to 382.9 ± 113.58 μm at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.009). The mean BCVA of the IVTA group also showed improvement, decreasing from 0.75 ± 0.55 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 0.625 ± 0.50 logMAR at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.089). Similarly, the mean BCVA of the STTA group improved, from 0.6 ± 0.36 logMAR at baseline to 0.54 ± 0.35 logMAR at 3 months after treatment (p = 0.094).ConclusionGiven that IVTA and STTA demonstrated statistically equivalent anatomical and functional effects in patients with bevacizumab-resistant DME, the less invasive STTA may be considered the preferred treatment approach for the management of bevacizumab-resistant DME.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Efficacy of posterior sub-tenon's capsule injection compared to intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of diabetic macular edema: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is defined as a retinal thickening in one-disc diameter of the center of the macula. It is a number of microvascular retinal changes that lead to blood-retinal barrier disruption, causing leakage of fluid and plasma components into the inner and outer plexiform layers. Aim of the Work: To conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis estimating the efficacy and complications of posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) compared to intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for management of DME. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDS, web of science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for published studies from January 01, 2000 to September 01, 2019. This meta-analysis included ten studies. They were randomized controlled clinical trials, and about 343 patients with DME (469 eyes) participated in these studies. Results: This study demonstrated a statistically significant change in the mean of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement and central macular thickness (CMT) reduction in both groups when comparing the baseline to 1- and 3-month follow-ups after the injection, though with no statistically significant difference in the IVTA compared to the STTA group. At a 6-month follow-up, both groups showed no significant differences in the BCVA and CMT compared to the baseline. Both groups showed no statistical differences in the BCVA or CMT over the follow-up periods. Regarding intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, the present study showed that the mean IOP was elevated in both groups at 1- and 3-month follow-ups after the injection compared to their baseline. There was a statistically significant difference between both groups at 1 and 3-months. The IOP was more elevated in the IVTA compared to the STTA group. At a 6-month follow-up, both groups showed no significant difference in the IOP elevation compared to the baseline. IOP elevation was the most reported adverse effect in all included studies. Cataract formation is also reported in some studies, though no other complications, such as endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, and/or retinal detachment, are reported in any of the studies. Conclusion: STTA injection has a comparable effect to the IVTA injection and carries a lower risk of intraocular complications. It is considered an easy, safe, and valid alternative to intravitreal injection for the treatment of DME.

Comparison of a single intraoperative posterior sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection versus topical steroids for treatment of postcataract surgery inflammation in children.

BACKGROUND:The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of a single intraoperative posterior sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection with postoperative topical steroids in controlling intraocular inflammation in uncomplicated pediatric cataract surgery.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A prospective comparative study of children (<13 years of age) undergoing cataract surgery in a tertiary care eye center in South India. Preoperative evaluation was similar in both groups. The surgical procedure was the same for both groups except at the end of surgery only Group 1 (right eye of bilateral cataracts and all unilateral cataracts) received intraoperative 0.5 ml (40 mg/ml) posterior sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Postoperatively, Group 1 was administered only topical antibiotic and Group 2 was put on topical antibiotic, mydriatic, and steroids. Intraocular inflammation and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed clinically on day 1, 1st week, 1st month, and 3 months, postoperatively.RESULTS:A total of 30 eyes were included in the study. Age ranged between 1 month and 132 months, with 18 eyes included in Group 1 and 12 eyes in Group 2. The mean postoperative IOP at the 3 months follow-up was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.4). The presence of intraocular lens had no role in postoperative inflammation (P = 1). Group 2 showed more anterior segment inflammation with six eyes (50%) developing posterior synechiae and distortion of the pupil 3 months postoperatively.CONCLUSION:In pediatric cataracts, a single intraoperative sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide appears to be safe and effective in controlling postcataract surgery inflammation.

Quantitative Analysis of Uveitis Macular Edema in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Deep Posterior Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection

Aim: We aimed to analyze the effects of adjunctive posterior sub-Tenon capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection in the treatment of intermediate uveitis macular edema in multiple sclerosis patients that could not be controlled by systemic corticosteroid medications and immunomodulators. Methods: The study included 30 eyes of 25 patients with multiple sclerosis who received a posterior sub-Tenon injection of 40 mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide. Parameters monitored for therapy efficiency were best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central foveal thickness (CFT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) scores. Results: Mean best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved at the control visit 0.15 ± 0.10 versus baseline 0.40 ± 0.20 logMAR (p < 0.05). Six eyes showed intraocular pressure spikes requiring topical antiglaucomatous treatment. Mean CFT and FA scores were significantly decreased versus baseline (CFT: 345 ± 50 μm; FA score: 3.4 ± 1.0) compared with the 12-week control visit (CFT: 219 ± 35 μm; FA score: 1.6 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Posterior sub-Tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide significantly improved visual acuity and decrease macular edema in patients with intermediate uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis.

Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide versus Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for the Treatment of Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of the posterior subtenon (SBT) capsule injection of TA as compared to intravitreal (IVT) injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) for the management of cystoid diabetic macular edema in pseudophakic patients. Methods: This prospective randomized comparative study included 100 pseudophakic eyes with cystoid macular edema. They were divided into two equal groups; IVT group, treated with 2 mg IVT injection of TA and SBT group, treated with 40 mg SBT injection of TA. Central Subfield thickness SFT, best corrected visual acuity BCVA and intraocular pressure IOP were measured before and after one and three months of treatment Results: There was statistically significant improvement in visual acuity in IVT and SBT groups. The SFT was significantly reduced both after one month and after three months when compared to the baseline values in both IVT and SBT groups. The SFT was comparable between the two groups especially after three months of treatment. The IOP of the eyes treated with IVT and SBT injection was significantly increased when compared to baseline value, but well controlled with glaucoma medication. There was insignificant difference between the IVT and SBT groups as regard to the mean IOP. Conclusion: The subtenon approach of triamcinolone injection can be considered a valid safe and effective alternative to the intravitreal injection; however larger and longer multicenter studies are needed.

The effect of posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide to inflammatory cytokines in rat retina after pan-retinal photocoagulation

Objective To observe the expression of inflammatory cytokines in diabetic rats received posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and pan-retinal photocoagulation.Methods A total of 48 Brown Norway rats received intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the diabetic model.Diabetic rats were randomly divided into experimental group (20 rats),control group (20 rats) and blank group (8 rats).50 μl TA or saline was injected into the posterior sub-Tenon capsule immediately after the photocoagulation in the experimental group and the control group,respectively.The blank group received no treatment.The mRNA and protein expression level of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis fator-α (TNF-α) were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 1,3,7 days after laser photocoagulation.Results The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF,IL-6,TNF-α of the experimental group and control group were significantly higher than the blank group,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF,IL-6 and TNF-α of the experimental group were significantly lower than that of the control group.On day 1 after laser photocoagulation,the mRNA expression of VEGF was not statistically significant in the experimental group and control group (P＞0.05),the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF,IL-6,TNF-α of the two groups were statistically significant in the remaining observing time (P＜0.05).Conclusion Posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection of TA can effectively reduce retinal photocoagulation induced VEGF,IL-6,TNF-α expression. Key words: Diabetic retinopathy/complications; Macular edema/drug therapy; Laser coagulation; Triamcinolone acetonide/therapeutic use; Chemokines

Intraocular pressure elevation following triamcinolone acetonide administration as related to administration routes

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation following triamcinolone acetonide (TA) administration. In this retrospective observational case series, patients (224 eyes of 202 patients) with diffuse diabetic macular edema (66 eyes), branch retinal vein occlusion (39 eyes), central retinal vein occlusion (25 eyes), exudative age-related macular degeneration (49 eyes), myopic choroidal neovascularization (10 eyes), uveitis (30 eyes), or other conditions (5 eyes) were administered an intravitreal or posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection, or both, of TA. Sub-Tenon capsule injection was performed on 106 eyes (STTA group). Intravitreal injection was performed on 118 eyes (IVTA group), of which 85 eyes underwent simultaneous intravitreal and sub-Tenon capsule injections. Mean follow-up after TA administration was 15.9 +/- 10.4 (range, 3-39) months. The sub-Tenon capsule injection and intravitreal injection of TA were compared with respect to the frequency of IOP elevation and the time between TA administration and the initial IOP elevation, and the possible risk factors responsible for IOP elevation were identified. There was no significant difference in frequency of IOP > 21 mmHg between the STTA group and the IVTA group (P = 0.0588). There was, however, a significant difference in the frequency of IOP > 30 mmHg between the two groups (P = 0.0004). In the IVTA group, more patients needed antiglaucoma medication than in the STTA group (P = 0.0052). The incidence rate of IOP elevation within 1 week after TA administration in the IVTA group was significantly higher than in the STTA group (P = 0.0154). Risk factors for IOP elevation included higher baseline IOP (P < 0.0001), younger patients (P = 0.0095), and simultaneous administration of sub-Tenon capsule and intravitreal injections (P = 0.0228). Careful follow-up of IOP is required after TA injections.

Randomised controlled trial of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone as adjunct to panretinal photocoagulation for treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Aims:To evaluate the efficacy of a single posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) before panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).Methods:This 6-month study involved the randomisation of 82 eyes of 41 patients,...

The Effect of Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Injection in Panretinal Photocoagulation Induced Visual Dysfunction of Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a prophylactic posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection of Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) against macular edema and visual dysfunction by panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with severe nonproliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Thirty-eight eyes of 19 patients who have diabetic retinopathy without macular edema and whose retinopathy was bilateral and symmetrical were evaluated. Triamcinolone was injected into the posterior sub-Tenon's capsule in one eye of the patients and nothing was injected in the other eye as a control. Two weeks later, PRP was performed every other week for 4 sessions on both eyes in all patients. The clinical course of visual acuity and macular edema was monitored for up to approximately 6 months after the initial PRP. Results: There was no statistically significant difference of visual acuity before PRP in the 2 groups (p＞0.05), and there was no macular edema in any patient. For a follow-up period of 6 months, visual dysfunction was more severe in the TA-injected eye than the control. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p＞0.05) throughout the follow-up period except at the 20-week time point. On the other hand, macular edema occurred in 2 eyes (10.5%) of the TA-injected group, and in 4 eyes (21.1%) of the control group. IOP elevation as a complication caused by TA-injection occurred in 2 eyes (10.5%). However, IOP was controlled successfully by anti-glaucomatic eye drops. Conclusions: Posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection of Triamcinolone is a safe and effective treatment modality for preventing PRP-induced visual dysfunction and macular edema.

Combined Fluocinolone Acetonide Intraocular Delivery System Insertion, Phacoemulsification, and Intraocular Lens Implantation for Severe Uveitis

To determine whether a three-year fluocinolone acetonide sustained drug delivery system can be implanted safely at the same time that phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation are performed for a visually significant cataract in eyes with uveitis. Retrospective, single-center case series. All consecutive patients treated from April 1998 through September 2006 at an academic clinical practice with intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, or panuveitis requiring immunosuppressive therapy, periocular corticosteroid injections, or both. Phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, and fluocinolone acetonide implant insertion were performed during a single surgical session. The main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative ocular inflammation, visual acuity (VA), intraoperative complications, anti-inflammatory medication use, IOP, and postoperative adverse events. Twenty-four eyes of 21 patients were studied. Mean follow-up duration was 27 months (range, six to 60 months). No patients had intraoperative complications. The mean Snellen VA at baseline was 20/316, which improved significantly to 20/75 at 12 months. The average number of recurrences in the 12 months before implantation was 2.2 episodes per eye. Only one eye experienced a recurrence at seven months after implantation. Topical corticosteroids, posterior sub-Tenon capsule injections, and systemic anti-inflammatory medications were reduced significantly at 12 months. Average IOP was unchanged after surgery compared with preoperative IOP; 15% underwent glaucoma filtering surgery. A fluocinolone acetonide implant insertion can be combined safely with phacoemulsification plus IOL implantation during the same surgical session in eyes with uveitis. VA generally was improved, uveitis recurrences decreased, and the need for immunosuppression decreased. The most common side effect was increased IOP.

Intravitreal vs. subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of diabetic cystoid macular edema

BackgroundTo assess the efficacy of the intravitreal (IVT) injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) as compared to posterior subtenon (SBT) capsule injection for the treatment of cystoid diabetic macular edema.MethodsFourteen patients with type II diabetes mellitus and on insulin treatment, presenting diffuse cystoid macular edema were recruited. Before TA injection all focal lakes were treated by laser photocoagulation. In the same patients one eye was assigned to 4 mg IVT injection of TA and the fellow eye was then treated with 40 mg SBT injection of TA. Before and one, three and six months after treatment we measured visual acuity with ETDRS chart as well as thickness of the macula with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP).ResultsThe eyes treated with an IVT injection displayed significant improvement in visual acuity, both after one (0.491 ± 0.070; p < 0.001) and three months (0.500 ± 0.089; p < 0.001) of treatment. Significant improvement was displayed also in eyes treated with an SBT injection, again after one (0.455 ± 0.069; p < 0.001) and three months (0.427 ± 0.065; p < 0.001). The difference between an IVT injection (0.809 ± 0.083) and SBT injection (0.460 ± 0.072) becomes significant six months after the treatment (p < 0.001).Macular thickness of the eyes treated with IVT injection was significantly reduced both after one (222.7 ± 13.4 μm; p < 0.001) and after three months (228.1 ± 10.6 μm; p < 0.001) of treatment. The eyes treated with SBT injection displayed significant improvement after one (220.1 ± 15.1 μm; p < 0.001) and after three months (231.3 ± 10.9 μm; p < 0.001). The difference between the eyes treated with IVT injection (385.2 ± 11.3 μm) and those treated with SBT injection (235.4 ± 8.7 μm) becomes significant six months after the treatment (p < 0.001).Intraocular pressure of the eyes treated with IVT injection significantly increased after one month (17.7 ± 1.1 mm/Hg; p < 0.020), three (18.2 ± 1.2 mm/Hg; p < 0.003) and six month (18.1 ± 1.3 mm/Hg; p < 0.007) when compared to baseline value (16.1 ± 1.402 mm/Hg). In the SBT injection eyes we didn't display a significant increase of intraocular pressure after one (16.4 ± 1.2 mm/Hg; p < 0.450), three (16.3 ± 1.1 mm/Hg; p < 0.630) and six months (16.2 ± 1.1 mm/Hg; p < 0.720) when compared to baseline value (16.2 ± 1.3 mm/Hg).ConclusionThe parabulbar subtenon approach can be considered a valid alternative to the intravitreal injection.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN67086909

Comparison of Combination Posterior Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone and Modified Grid Laser Treatment with Intravitreal Triamcinolone Treatment in Patients with Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema

PurposeTo compare the efficacy of posterior sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection combined with modified grid macular photocoagulation (PSTI + MP) with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection in the treatment of diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME).Materials and MethodsForty eyes of 33 patients with diffuse DME were randomly allocated into either PSTI + MP (20 eyes) or IVTA (20 eyes). Best corrected visual acuity (VA) and foveal thickness were measured.ResultsThe ETDRS scores at baseline were 25.2 ± 13.6 (mean ± SD) letters in the PSTI + MP group, whereas 21.7 ± 16.3 letters in the IVTA group. The ETDRS scores improved by 33.2 ± 15.9, 34.7 ± 16.6 and 30.9 ± 19.0 letters in the PSTI + MP group whereas by 30.9 ± 15.4, 30.1 ± 17.9 and 31.5 ± 15.0 letters in the IVTA group at 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatments, respectively. The VA improved significantly at 1 month and 3 months after both treatments (all p < 0.02, paired t-test). The VA improvements were no longer significant at 6 months in either group. There were no statistically significant differences at any time points between the 2 groups (all p > 0.05, Student's t-test). The foveal thicknesses at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatments were 382.8 ± 148.3, 309.1 ± 131.3, 319.3 ± 93.3, 340.4 ± 123.5 µm (mean ± SD) in the PSTI + MP group vs. 369.1 ± 123.1, 241.4 ± 52.3, 277.5 ± 137.4, 290.2 ± 127.9 µm in the IVTA group, respectively. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant decrease in foveal thickness at 1 month (p = 0.01, paired t-test) for the PSTI + MP group, and at both 1 month (p < 0.001) and 3 months (p = 0.016) for the IVTA group. There were no statistically significant differences at any time points between the 2 groups (all p > 0.05, Student's t-test). In contrast to the PSTI + MP group, where no complications were noted, the elevation of intra-ocular pressure in 3 of 20 eyes (15%) and a significant increase in average cataract grading were observed in the IVTA group.ConclusionPSTI + MP treatment provides significant improvement of vision in patients with diffuse DME over 3 months, and achieves outcomes comparable to those after IVTA treatment, however, with fewer complications.

Adverse Events after Intravitreal Triamcinolone in Patients with and without Uveitis

To evaluate the rates of adverse ocular events after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection in patients with and without uveitis. Retrospective observational case series. Two hundred twenty-two eyes of 173 patients were included in the study: 45 eyes of 31 patients with macular edema (ME) due to uveitis and 177 eyes of 142 patients with ME secondary to other etiologies. Retrospective review of patients who received IVTA at the Cole Eye Institute for ME attributable to various causes between the years 2001 and 2005. Data review of clinical records included patient demographics, etiology of ME, and adverse outcomes after injection. Rates of adverse outcomes in patients with and without uveitis were compared. Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) progression. Uveitis patients were significantly younger, more likely to be female, and more likely to have had prior posterior sub-Tenon's capsule steroid injection and/or glaucoma therapy than their nonuveitis counterparts. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for the differences in these factors, the presence of uveitis was the strongest risk factor for an adverse IOP event (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-6.1; P = 0.05). The odds of having a documented increase in PSC after IVTA injection were 5.6 times greater in uveitis eyes (P = 0.007; 95% CI, 1.6-19.6). Intraocular pressure elevation and PSC progression occurred with greater frequency in uveitis patients receiving IVTA. Patients with uveitis treated with IVTA should be counseled about these risks and monitored closely.

INJECTION OF TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE INTO THE POSTERIOR SUB-TENON CAPSULE FOR TREATMENT OF DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

To compare eyes that received treatment with untreated fellow eyes to assess the effectiveness of injection of 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) into the posterior sub-Tenon capsule for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Nine adult patients (mean age, 60.4 years) with DME in both eyes were followed up for 3 months after unilateral treatment. We compared central macular thickness before and after treatment with those of the untreated fellow eye. In 9 eyes injected with 20 mg of TA, the mean central macular thickness +/- SD was 624.8 +/- 173.7 microm before treatment. In the fellow eyes, it was 452.8 +/- 235.2 microm. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.10, unpaired t-test). One month after injection, it was 434.0 +/- 120.7 microm in injected eyes (P=0.017, paired t-test) and 462.2 +/- 232.7 microm in fellow eyes (P=0.70, paired t-test), and after 3 months, the respective values were 423.1 +/- 186.3 microm (P=0.052, paired t-test) and 478.3 +/- 269.1 microm (P=0.65, paired t-test). Injection of 20 mg of TA into the posterior sub-Tenon capsule effectively reduces macular thickening due to DME, at least in the short term.

Frequency and Risk Factors for Intraocular Pressure Elevation After Posterior Sub-Tenon Capsule Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection

This study investigated the effects of posterior sub-Tenon capsule (PST) injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in the human eye. The study included 115 patients who received PST injections of 40-mg TA to treat macular edema with diabetic retinopathy (n=57), branch retinal vein occlusion (n=35), central retinal vein occlusion (n=13), or other disorders (n=10). IOP measurements were performed on the day of injection, and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. In 26 (22.6%) of the 115 eyes, an IOP of 24 mm Hg or higher was observed during the 12-month follow-up period after PST TA injection. IOP elevation significantly correlated with young age, but not with past history of diabetes mellitus or systemic hypertension, sex, or type of retinal disease with macular edema. In total, 23 eyes were treated with antiglaucoma medications to control elevated IOP (24 mm Hg or higher). External trabeculotomy was performed in 1 case where medications failed to correct elevated IOP. PST TA injection is associated with high rates of steroid-induced IOP elevation in eyes with previously normal IOP. However, IOP elevation may be less common after PST injection than after intravitreal injection. Our findings indicate that IOP must be carefully monitored after PST TA injection.

POSTERIOR JUXTASCLERAL INJECTION OF ANECORTAVE ACETATE

To confirm juxtascleral delivery of anecortave acetate in rabbit eyes by ocular imaging techniques and to determine drug localization and distribution as a function of time after injection. Four female New Zealand white rabbits (weight, 2.5-3.0 kg) received a single juxtascleral posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection of 0.5 mL or 1 mL of 30 mg/mL anecortave acetate. Rabbit eyes were imaged with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before injection, immediately after injection, and at 2 hours, 1 week, and 4 weeks after injection. Rabbit eyes were also imaged with b-mode ultrasonography during the juxtascleral injections. Ultrasonography and MRI demonstrated that juxtascleral posterior sub-Tenon capsule injection of anecortave acetate effectively delivered the drug in direct apposition to the posterior pole of the rabbit eye. The drug remained in the juxtascleral site for at least 5 weeks. The drug was visualized clearly by MRI immediately after injection, decreasing in intensity thereafter. Cannula insertion and the drug delivery process were clearly visualized by real-time ultrasound analysis. Immediately after drug injection, ultrasonography indirectly localized anecortave acetate localization as an echolucent zone posterior to the scleral surface. At the later time points, however, the juxtascleral location of the drug was verified with ultrasonography as a relatively echogenic focus in the same location. Juxtascleral administration of anecortave acetate via a posterior sub-Tenon capsule approach effectively delivered the drug to the desired position in direct apposition to the globe posteriorly. MRI and ultrasonography both demonstrated that anecortave acetate remained localized to this location for at least 5 weeks after initial injection.

Comparison of Intravitreal versus Posterior Sub–Tenon’s Capsule Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema

To compare the safety and efficacy of intravitreal versus posterior Sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide for diffuse diabetic macular edema. Prospective, double-masked, randomized controlled trial. Twelve patients (24 eyes) with bilateral diffuse diabetic macular edema. One eye of each patient was randomly assigned to receive a single 4-mg triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal injection and the fellow eye to receive a 40-mg triamcinolone acetonide posterior Sub-Tenon's capsule injection. Changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness obtained using optical coherence tomography were measured during a 6-month follow-up. Potential treatment complications were monitored, including increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression. Both intravitreal and Sub-Tenon's capsule injections of triamcinolone acetonide resulted in significant but transient improvements in central macular thickness. The mean (+/-standard deviation [SD]) central macular thickness in eyes with intravitreal injection was significantly thinner than in the Sub-Tenon's capsule-injected eyes at 1 month (226.8+/-41.7 microm and 431.5+/-165.8 microm, respectively; P = 0.002) and 3 months (242.3 +/- 93.9 microm and 364.7+/-78.2 microm, respectively; P = 0.005) after triamcinolone acetonide injection. The mean visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) in the intravitreally injected eyes was significantly better than in the Sub-Tenon's capsule-injected eyes at 3 months post injection (0.832+/-0.293 and 1.107+/-0.339, respectively; P = 0.004). Intraocular pressure did not show any significant difference between the 2 forms of triamcinolone acetonide delivery at any follow-up visit, and no eyes had IOPs >25 mmHg. The findings from our study neither advocate nor support the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, but do imply that both intravitreal and Sub-Tenon's capsule injections of triamcinolone acetonide may be equally tolerated, with short-term performance clearly favoring the intravitreal (4 mg) more than the SBT capsule (40 mg) route for the anatomic and functional aspects of improvement tested in this investigation.

Long-term Follow-up Results of a Pilot Trial of a Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant to Treat Posterior Uveitis

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in the treatment of noninfectious posterior uveitis. Noncomparative interventional case series, dose randomized, dose masked, prospective. Thirty-six eyes of 32 patients with a history of recurrent noninfectious posterior uveitis. Patients were randomized to receive either a 0.59-mg or a 2.1-mg fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant. Patients were observed every 4 to 6 weeks for the first 3 months and then every 3 months thereafter. Preoperative and postoperative ocular inflammation, visual acuity (VA), antiinflammatory medication use, and safety. Mean follow-up duration was 683+/-461 days (range, 204-1817). Mean baseline visual acuity for the device-implanted eyes was +1.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units (20/250), which improved significantly to +0.81 logMAR units (20/125) at 30 months (P<0.05). Inflammation was effectively controlled over the follow-up period. The average number of recurrences in the 12 months before implantation was 2.5 episodes per eye. None of these eyes experienced a recurrence for the first 2 years after implantation. There was a reduction in systemic and local therapy use in the device-implanted eyes; of the patients who remained on systemic medication after implantation, dosage was reduced in 68%. The posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection rate significantly decreased from a mean of 2.2 injections per eye per year to 0.07 injections per eye per year (P<0.0001) The most common adverse event was intraocular pressure (IOP) rise. At baseline, 11.0% of eyes used pressure-lowering agents, versus 56.1% over the follow-up period (P = 0.005). Filtering procedures were performed in 7 (19.4%) eyes. Four of the 8 phakic eyes, each of which had some level of cataract at device implantation, subsequently underwent cataract extraction. There were no device explantations or patients lost to follow-up during the investigation. The fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant effectively controlled intraocular inflammation in the studied population. Elevated IOP and cataracts that occurred in fluocinolone device-implanted eyes were managed by standard means. The fluocinolone acetonide sustained drug delivery implant seems to be promising in patients with posterior uveitis who do not respond to or are intolerant to conventional treatment.

Posterior Sub–Tenon’s Capsule Triamcinolone Injection Combined with Focal Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema

To investigate the efficacy of posterior sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone injection (PSTI) combined with focal laser (FL) photocoagulation in treatment of diffuse clinically significant diabetic macular edema (CSME). Prospective randomized clinical study. Sixty patients with diffuse CSME. We randomized the patients who had CSME into 2 treatment groups. A total of 30 eyes received macular focal and grid laser photocoagulation (MP), and the second group of 30 eyes received FL photocoagulation combined with PSTI (FL + PSTI). Clinical and visual evaluations were performed at baseline and 12 and 18 weeks after treatment, and the results were compared by statistical methods. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity (VA) scores and clinical changes in macular edema. Before treatment, mean ETDRS VA scores were 45.9+/-12.7 (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]; range, 24-66) in MP (focal + grid laser) and 44.5+/-12.6 (range, 22-66) in the FL + PSTI group. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scores at 18 weeks were 46.4+/-14.2 (range, 20-70) after MP and 52.5+/-17.5 (range, 22-82) after FL + PSTI. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scores significantly improved in eyes that received FL + PSTI (P = 0.0001, paired t test). The FL + PSTI group had an increase of 12.4+/-7.1 (range, 5-26) ETDRS letters, and the MP group had an increase of 7.8+/-3.1 (range, 5-15) letters (P = 0.04, unpaired t test). Twelve of 30 (40%) cases in the MP group and 24 of 30 (80%) cases in the FL + PSTI group showed clinical improvement in macular edema according to the stereoscopic evaluation of fundus and fluorescein angiography (P = 0.003). Posterior sub-Tenon's capsule application of triamcinolone may improve early visual outcome in diffuse diabetic macular edema when combined with FL photocoagulation.