Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for chronic pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (CME) resistant to medical treatment.
Methods: Six eyes of six patients with chronic pseudophakic CME, aged 58-74 years (average 66 years), made up the study population. All eyes had persistent CME despite having received medical treatment for at least 3 months. Intravitreal injection of 4 mg (0.1 ml) triamcinolone acetonide was offered to treat macular oedema. The visual and anatomic responses were observed as well as potential complications related to the injection procedure and corticosteroid medication.
Results: The follow-up period was between 6 and 10 months (mean 8.5 months). Baseline central macular thickness averaged 504 microm. At 1 month, a reduction in the mean central macular thickness of 52% from 504 microm to 264 microm was obtained. At 3 and 6 months, the mean central macular thicknesses were 240 microm and 232 microm, respectively. Five of the six eyes maintained a visual gain of 15 or more letters from baseline at 6 months. During follow-up no patient had intraocular pressure (IOP) exceeding 21 mmHg. No injection-related complications were encountered.
Conclusions: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide is a promising therapeutic method for chronic pseudophakic CME resistant to medical treatment. Further study with a longer follow-up period and larger series is warranted to assess the treatment's longterm efficacy and safety and the need for retreatment.