Macular sensitivity and morphology after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema with branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the changes of macular sensitivity, thickness, and total macular volume after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide to treat macular edema with branch retinal vein occlusion.

METHODS

Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema received intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Using capillary nonperfusion on fluorescein angiography, patients were classified into nonischemic or ischemic groups. Microperimetry was used to measure macular sensitivity within the central 4°, 10°, and 20° fields. Macular thickness and macular volume within these fields were measured by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The mean macular thickness within the central 4°, 10°, and 20° fields decreased significantly after intravitreal therapy (all Ps < 0.001) as did total macular volume (all Ps < 0.001). Visual acuity was significantly better at 3 and 6 months (P = 0.002) as was the mean macular sensitivity within the three fields (all Ps < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the trend profile of macular thickness and volume within the three fields between the ischemic and nonischemic groups. There were also no significant differences in the trend profile of visual acuity and macular sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide may improve macular sensitivity and morphology in patients with ischemic and nonischemic branch retinal vein occlusion.