Retinal toxicity of triamcinolone acetonide in silicone-filled eyes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the retinal toxicity of triamcinolone acetonide at different doses in vitrectomized, silicone-filled rabbit eyes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vitrectomy with silicone oil placement was performed in 32 rabbit eyes. A dosage of 1 mg/0.025 mL, 2 mg/0.05 mL, or 4 mg/0.1 mL of triamcinolone acetonide was injected intravitreally in the study group eyes; the control group received 0.1 mL of sterile saline. Electroretinography and retinal histology were performed to evaluate toxicity.

RESULTS

No retinal toxicity was seen in the groups given 1, 2, and 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide or in the control group. ERG and histologic sections in all groups were normal. No drug was visible in the vitreous cavity at the end of the 140-day period (average) in eyes injected with 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide.

CONCLUSIONS

Up to 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide can be safely injected in silicone-filled, vitrectomized eyes without any significant retinal toxicity.