Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Posterior Sub-Tenon (PST) Triamcinolone
Acetonide (TA) injection for persistent macular oedema associated with non-ischemic Central
Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) or Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) in non-vitrectomized
eye.
Methods: Fourteen consecutive eyes of 14 patients characterized by macular oedema lasting
more than 3 months and with a visual acuity of less than 20/40 were enrolled. Six eyes presented
with BRVO, 8 eyes with CRVO. PST injection of 40 mg TA was performed in topical
anaesthesia. All patients were phakic, and followed for at least 6 months. Snellen visual acuity
converted to LogMAR units and anatomic responses were evaluated before, and at 1, 3, 6, and
12 (if required) months after injections and re-injection considered.
Results: In the BRVO group, mean foveal thickness was 548.2±49.50 μm preoperatively,
and 452.8±56.2 μm and 280.8±62.5 μm at 1 and 12 month follow-up, respectively. Statistical
analysis showed significant differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements
(P<.05, paired t test) 3 months after injections. Improvement of visual acuity by at least 0.2
LogMAR was seen in 3(50%) of the 6 eyes. No re-injection was needed. In the CRVO group,
mean foveal thickness was 543.7±34.4 μm preoperatively, and 283.0±29.0 μm and 234.8±23.6
μm at 1 and 12 month follow-up, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant differences
between preoperative and postoperative measurements (P<.05, paired t test). Improvement
of visual acuity by at least 0.2 LogMAR was seen in 7 eyes (88%). Mean number of re-injection
was of 2.1±0.3. Intraocular pressure elevation of 22 mm Hg or higher was found in 2/14 eyes
(14%). Cataract progression was noted in 5/14 eyes (36%).
Conclusions: PST injection of TA appears to be as safe and effective treatment for chronic
macular oedema associated due to both non-ischemic BRVO or CRVO, with a better efficacy
in BRVO.